A FLOCK of sheep stolen from a Ribble Valley farm has been returned to its owner.

Fifty-five ewes in lamb, worth around £15,000, snatched from fields at Hall Trees Farm in Chipping on February 27, were later found in the North East of England.

The sheep owned by farmer Robin Dean from Hough Clough Lane were discovered by police in County Durham after a tip-off.

A 20-year-old man from Longridge was arrested on suspicion of theft.

He has been bailed until April 20 pending further inquiries.