Herne Bay's Memorial Park crest has been safely returned to Canterbury City Council, ending fears that it had been pinched by thieves to be sold off the back of a lorry.

The crest was reported missing by a woman at 1pm on Friday, August 1. She saw it on the back of a truck before it drove away, but she quick-wittedly made a note of the registration plates.

Canterbury City Council spokesman Robert Davies said the police were contacted, only to discover that the vehicle belonged to lighting contractors for Kent County Council.

It had somehow become detached from the archway as the vehicle passed underneath it. The contractor then confirmed they had the crest, which depicts a proud white heron along with the Clock Tower and Reculver on a gold painted plate.

Mr Davies said: “Calls to the contractor confirmed the crest was at their depot and arrangements were made for its quick return to the city council. It will now be reattached to the archway.”

It is the second time this year that the arch has hit the headlines. In April a lorry crashed into the archway and plinth, causing worries that the damage wouldn’t be repaired in time for the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The council’s building services manager Colin Pengelly said: “Having only recently completed repairs to the archway after a lorry hit it earlier in the year, we were very concerned to hear about the crest’s disappearance.

“We urgently looked into what had happened with the police. Naturally we are relieved that it’s back with us and is undamaged.

“We’re very grateful to the quick thinking lady for getting the number plate and calling us so promptly, and have sent her some flowers to say thank you.

“It saved us a lot of time and effort trying to track the crest down.”