The president of an Ilkley cricket club is appealing for the return of a flying duck weather vane which was the “crowning glory” of the club’s pavilion.

The metal weather vane in the shape a flying duck is missing from the roof of The Olicanian Cricket Club in Denton Road, Ilkley.

It has stood proudly on top of the pavilion’s clock tower since the club underwent an £80,000 revamp in 2011.

It was donated by Dale Eddison in Ilkley, one of the club’s main sponsors.

Its disappearance was first noticed on Sunday when the club hosted a cycling event. The matter has not been reported to the police but club officials believe it has probably been stolen, either for its scrap value or as an ornament.

Mick Christopher, president of Olicanian Cricket Club, said: “It is a splendid weather vane – a flying duck with its wings outstretched.

“It can’t have blown off as it was securely fitted to the clock tower. It was the crowning glory if you like and it was something that we had never seen on a cricket pavilion anywhere else.

“The duck was placed there at the completion of our most recent modernisation and was supplied by one of our main sponsors.

“The duck has flown in the last week or so. It is a mallard so migration has been ruled out and predation by four-legged predators is unlikely.

“The most likely suspect is the two-legged nocturnal climbing duck hunter, a very elusive species frequenting the lower Wharfe Valley.

“We would love to see the return of our duck which I am reliably informed has not made the short journey to Church Street to the home of its namesake The Flying Duck.”

Mr Christopher said any sightings of the flying duck would be gratefully appreciated at 07543 510289.