The treasured church bells of a local village stolen with the aid of a forklift have finally been recovered (Forkliftaction.com News #324).

The three bells belonging to the All Saints Church in Merton were stolen while awaiting repair in Tavistock.

Mary Ford, the church warden, told North Devon Journal the bells hold a lot of history for the community.

"I never thought we would see them again. It was heartbreaking but to see them back and all in one piece is amazing."

The 70% copper bells were found in Manchester after an anonymous tip-off.

They were taken from Tavistock after a forklift was used to smash down a door.