West Mercia Police recover 'Holy Grail' chalice after Crimewatch appeal
A relic believed by some to be the Holy Grail and stolen from a home nearly a year ago has been recovered by West Mercia Police.
The force said it had tracked down the Nanteos Cup and now returned the wooden chalice to its rightful owners.
The cup, which measures 10cm by 8.5cm, is believed to have been stolen during a burglary in Weston Under Penyard, near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, in July last year.
It is one of a number of so-called Holy Grails from the region. Another contender for the title was discovered at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire.
A specialist team was set up by police to hunt down the Nanteos Cup and the story featured on BBC's Crimewatch programme.
A spokesman for the force said as a result of the coverage they received "several significant lines of inquiry from anonymous sources".
Police have been tight-lipped on the circumstances of exactly how the cup was recovered but did say it had been handed to officers "on neutral ground" in a pre-arranged meeting, on Friday June 19.
The police spokesman said: "An anonymous source came forward after seeing the Crimewatch appeal which resulted in it being physically handed in.
"As far as the police are concerned this is a treasured object, and we are happy to have reunited it with its rightful owners."
The investigation on tracing the culprits is continuing, the spokesman added.
Detective inspector Martyn Barnes, investigating officer, said: "I would like to thank everyone who helped our inquiries and who shared the appeal, which significantly aided us in recovering the cup."
Described by police as a "medieval mazer bowl, a wooden cup or chalice" the item was stored in a blue velvet bag.
The family which own the relic had offered £1,000 reward for its safe return, with an additional £1,000 put up by police for its recovery and the successful conviction of the thieves.
When stolen it is thought to have been on loan to a sick woman because of its supposed healing powers.
