Priceless statue stolen from Benedictine monastery

A statue of Our Lady which once belonged to Saint Thomas More, was stolen from Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire on Friday night. The 15th Century Flemish Oak statue of the Madonna and Child was probably taken while the monks were eating supper. The community fear the statue may have been acquired for a private collection. Fr Stephen, one of the 18 monks who live and work at Prinknash said: "It is too distinctive ever to be sold on the open market. For more information on Prinknash Abbey, visit: www.dwest.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/_prinknash.html