THE Bury Times has been praised for helping to reunite Besses O' th' Barn Senior Band with a stolen boar's head.

The prized possession, which was presented to the world-famous band during a tour of New Zealand in 1906, was taken during a raid at its base in Moss Lane, Whitefield.

However, following our story, a band member received an anonymous telephone call which resulted in the recovery of the boar's head.

During the break-in, thieves ransacked rooms and stole instruments worth up to £7,000 together with banners, a photocopier and computer equipment.

But it was the theft of the boar's head which particularly upset band members, because there was no way they could replace it. Mr Dave Aston, of the Besses Senior Band, said: "After the story of the theft was printed, a member of our boys band got mysterious calls from a payphone.

"This person was told the boar's head was behind our band room and under a sheet."

Band members subsequently recovered the valuable souvenir, although both the boar's tusks were missing.

"But the silver commemorative plate was still attached to it," said Mr Aston. He praised the Bury Times for its coverage of the break-in and added: "Someone obviously felt very guilty."

However, a £3,000 euphonium and two big bass drums are still missing following last week's raid.

"If the thieves are guilty enough to tell us where the boar's head was, then perhaps they could return the rest of the stuff," he added. Bandsmen are touring local pubs to determine if any of the stolen instruments have been offered for sale.

After the break-in, ten members took part in a clean-up at their base.

Thankfully, precious band records stored at the headquarters were not disturbed.

The 30-strong senior band, which has won numerous awards, was established in 1818.

Anyone with information about the break-in should call Bury police on 856 8157.