A race against time has begun to find a historic presidential chain of office.

The founder members of Keighley's new Chamber of Trade want to find the valuable Chamber regalia last seen about eight years ago.

They are hoping to re-discover the silver pendant -- valued at £2,000 more than 20 years ago -- in time for a special meeting early next month.

At the inaugural annual meeting of the Keighley and District Chamber of Trade, being held on Thursday, February 6, at 6pm, in Swire Smith Hall, North Street, Keighley, Chamber officers will be elected -- and hopefully the regalia will be worn.

The meeting, which is open to all businesses, will also decide on a programme of events for 2003.

The large oval shaped badge attached to a blue ribbon is believed to have been among residual assets of the Keighley and District Chamber of Trade handed over when it merged with the now defunct Keighley Business Forum in 1995.

A formal ceremony was held when the then Chamber president David Petyt placed the oval shaped medal around the shoulders of KBF president Sir James Hill.

After the meeting it was put back in the box and thought to have been put in the safe, and has not been worn since.

Menswear retailer Mr Petyt, one of the founder members of the new group, said: "I have made some inquiries but have been unable to find it. It would be wonderful to have the regalia back to be used by the new group, especially at the inaugural meeting.

"We are appealing to anyone who has any knowledge of the regalia or can point us in the right direction to please get in touch."

The jeweller's valuation description includes -- the pendant/badge weighs 67grams and has an ornate surround made of silver gilt.

In the centre is the heraldic Coat of Arms of Keighley in multi-coloured enamel, with a white background bearing the name "By Worth" at the bottom.

The outer circle is of red enamel with raised gold coloured letters bearing the name Keighley & District Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

It is hallmarked silver -- Birmingham 1956.

The badge is attached to a blue ribbon with one ornate gold coloured bar bearing the name President and two other bars above.

Anyone with information about the pendant should call the Keighley News -- which is also a founder member -- on 01535 606611 and ask for the newsdesk.