A sundial which has stood outside the listed building since the 1800s, was bundled into the back of a van on Thursday January 21.

Acting headteacher Judi Popplewell said it was a tragedy that it had been taken.

"This year is our 250th anniversary, so we are doing a lot on our school's history, and it's a real shame that we have lost such a strong part of that," she said. "It's devastating for us as it is such a large part of our heritage."

Local historian and former headteacher Andrea Ives said the sundial was installed in 1828, and she believes it may be a listed item, given special status at the same time that the school was. She said it is about 1.2 metres tall, with a square face and roll-moulding, and is inscribed with the initials WC, for the then headteacher William Cockett.

Ms Popplewell believes the sundial may have been stolen to order, as it is such a unique item.

Unfortunately for the thieves, it will not work unless it is placed on the exact same angle that it was in Burnt Yates.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pateley Bridge Police on 0845 606247.