The 17th century carved oak chair was noticed missing from All Saint's Church in Ripley on Wednesday and could have been taken any time after the Sunday service.

The chair has never been valued, but has great historical significance for the church where it has been for more than 300 years.

The Rev Stephen Brown said the church was stunned by the theft of an item which had great sentimental value, but little trade value: "It represents the church to which we belong - it's wider value is as a symbol. I would imagine it was taken for its market value.

On May 7, 2007, an antique altar cross decorated with four ruby cabochon stones was taken from the church, later to appear on eBay after it was bought at a car boot sale in Wetherby for £40.

The 19th century brass cross was spotted by an eagle-eyed Ripley villager while searching for Staffordshire pottery cottages. The cross, thought to be 150 years old and worth £2,000 had reached a bidding price of £120.

The distinctive Bishop's chair stands at 1.24m tall and 0.64m wide, and is made from solid oak. It is elaborately carved, with two lions supporting a pierced crown with a rose pattern below. The sides and back are carved with scrolled leaf and medallion pattern and padded with red leather. Anyone with information should contact PC 1943 Rotchell of Harrogate Police Station on 08456060247.