RESIDENTS in a North Yorkshire village "wiped off the map" after thieves stole their sign say they are relieved to know police have recovered it.

Levisham's old-fashioned Heartbeat country name plate was found on an internet auction site.

At least ten villages in the county have been targeted by sign thieves so far this year.

Gill Leonard, Levisham parish clerk, said: "People have been wondering whether we can get a new sign, but we would not have the funds to do that.

"It's fantastic it's been found, really."

Mrs Leonard said that like many smaller parish councils, they charge no precept.

Residents will have to raise funds specially to return and repair the stolen sign.

"We just thought when so many signs were going that perhaps someone was opening a restaurant or something with a theme to it," she said.

"It's confusing for visitors because they see the sign off the main road for Lockton and Levisham, but then they don't know what village they're in.

Sergeant Cliff Edens said the sign was due to be returned to North Yorkshire Police.

Mrs Leonard said: "We have our open gardens for the Red Cross on June 1 and we're hoping to have it back by then - otherwise we will have to stand out there with a placard so people know when they've found us."

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, May 28, 2003