An ancient sundial, which has stood outside the listed building since the 1800s, was bundled into the back of a van on the evening of Thursday January 21.

Acting headteacher Judi Popplewell said it held a special place in the hearts' of the pupils, and it was a tragedy that it had been taken.

“This year is our 250th anniversary, so we are doing a lot on our school's history, and it's a real shame that we have lost such a strong part of that,” she said.

“It's devastating for us as it is such a large part of our heritage.”

Local historian and former headteacher Andrea Ives said the sundial was installed in 1828, and she believes it may be a listed item, given special status at the same time that the school was.

She said it is about 1.2 metres tall, with a square face and roll-moulding, and is inscribed with the initials WC, for the then headteacher William Cockett, who was there from 1810-1858.

"He did such an enormous amount for this school, and the sundial was a small symbol of that," she said.

"For it to have been stolen is such a terrible shame."

Ms Popplewell believes the sundial may have been stolen to order, as it is such a unique item.

Unfortunately for the thieves, it won’t work unless it is placed on the exact same angle that it was in Burnt Yates.

Ms Popplewell said that a neighbour noticed drag marks on the lawn at about 5pm on Thursday January 21.

"I think they have driven a van right up to it, and taken it away," she said. "There must be at least two of them, as it is not light."

The sundial is made of grit stone, with a bronze gnomon (triangle) on top.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, is asked to contact PC Mick Oliver of Pateley Bridge Police on 0845 606247.