Bradford's most spectacular piece of civic silver has been returned to its owner - after being on loan to the city for several decades.

The Ladies Cup, which graced the banqueting hall at Bradford City Hall, was presented back to its owner, Sir Christopher Thompson.

The sixth baronet and his wife Lady Penelope attended a reception yesterday where the silver was returned by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Allan Hillary, pictured with Sir Christopher and the cup.

The silver masterpiece was presented to former mayor, Alderman Matthew William Thompson, in 1863.

Sir Christopher, who lives in the West Midlands, said today he now had a suitable place to keep it and it would remain for the private use of the family.

But he gave a glimmer of hope that it might one day return to the city to take its place in the historic silver collection at City Hall.

Sir Christopher said: "It is the most beautiful piece of silver. If circumstances change, and it is inappropriate wherever we are living to keep such a piece of silver, it will be offered back on loan."

He added that if his son Richard did not want to keep it after inheritance the piece may also go back on loan to be enjoyed by the people of the city.

The inscription on the silverware reads: "Presented with a silver gilt vase by a number of ladies of Bradford to Matthew Thompson esquire, Mayor of Bradford, as a slight memorial of their grateful sense of his many hospitable courtesies, particularly on the auspicious event of the marriage of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to Her Royal Highness Princess Alexander of Denmark, March 10, 1863."

The silver stayed with the family until 1958 when Sir Peile Thompson - Sir Christopher's father - allowed the then Bradford Corporation to have it on indefinite loan.

Solicitors who studied the minutes of the accounts sub-committee held in 1958 recording the loan for an unspecified period, decided Sir Christopher - former Equerry to Prince Michael of Kent - had the lawful right to the treasure. Coun Hillary said: "It is very sad. It has been on display at very large functions. It depicts the image of the city in the late 19th century. It is wonderful. The Thompson family have been very kind to allow it to be on loan."