A PLAQUE commemorating the Belfast Blitz, which was stolen from the wall of the old Belfast Telegraph building, has been returned to its owners - with the help of The Irish News.
The small plate had been displayed at the front of the former newspaper offices on Royal Avenue.
In April however, less than two weeks after the 80th anniversary of the Blitz, the sign disappeared.
The Irish News reported the theft at the time and how the building’s owners, Bel Tel LLP, had appealed for the plaque's return.
Some days later the panel was left at the nearby Maverick bar by a customer who claimed to have found it near the Shankill Road.
Speaking at the time, manager Andrew Garrett said an elderly man asked if it could be handed in to The Irish News.
"He said he didn’t want a reward or acknowledgement, he just wanted it to be returned," he said.
Yesterday, Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl dropped into the Donegall Street offices to take possession of the plaque on behalf of the council, who are one of the new owners of the iconic building.
During the handover, historian Dr Éamon Phoenix gave a talk about the 1941 Blitz and the connections with the newspaper industry.
Also in attendance was Irish News chairman Jim Fitzpatrick, Belfast Telegraph editor-in-chief Eoin Brannigan and former editor Ed Curran.
Irish News editor Noel Doran said: "I am delighted that the lord mayor was able to accept the return of the historic plaque which in many ways symbolises the close relationships within the Belfast newspaper industry."
Ms Nicholl said: "It's so good to see this plaque commemorating the Belfast Blitz returned.
"The Blitz is a tragic part of our city’s history and having this plaque displayed on one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings provides important recognition of all those who sadly lost their lives during that event."
