INCENSED villagers have spoken of their shock after a bronze war memorial was stolen.

The plaque at Samlesbury Memorial Hall was taken on Thursday after being in the same place undisturbed for the past 83 years.

Parish Councillor Glen Clayton said she was appalled at the theft.

She said: "This is a very poor reflection of our times.

"The plaque is a tribute to all of those who fought so bravely and for this to happen is sickening. People are very upset by this."

It was unveiled in November 1923 as a memorial to those from the area who died in the First World War.

Since then it has not suffered any damage or vandalism at it is placed just by the doorway of the centre. Mrs Clayton added: "I don't know if it is worth any money but we really want it back. Nobody has ever tampered with it before.

"Perhaps somebody is out there who might know what has happened to it.

"Unfortunately we are not confident we will see it again."

The plaque, which is around two foot wide, lists the names of 13 men from the area who died in the war.

One of the men, Sgt William J Daley, was awarded a posthumous military medal for gallantry after risking his life to save a wounded comrade.

The plaque was unveiled at the time by the young son of another one of the men listed, Pt Herbert Mason.

The tribute reads: "1914-1918. To the glory of God and in memory of the following men who gave their lives in the Great War.

"Sgt William J Daley, Sgt Edward Jennings, Pt Benjamin Bell, Pt John Coar, Pt John Eaves, Pt George Fairclough, Pt James Howe, Pt John Knight, Pt Herbert Mason, Pt Miles Newton, Pt William Turner and Pt Peter Yates.

"Lest we forget."

A police spokesman said that the theft of the memorial is now being probed.