BURNHAM-ON-SEA’S town flag, which was stolen last week while flying at half-mast in tribute to HRH Prince Philip, has now been recovered.

The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday, April 9, and his funeral took place last Saturday, April 17.

Burnham lowered its town flag, situated on Old Station Approach, in tribute to Prince Philip, but by the time of the funeral it had been stolen.

The town’s mayor, Cllr Mike Facey, said: “This is a despicable act of vandalism and is more poignant during this time of national mourning.

“On Monday [April 12] night somebody climbed our flagpole and stole our large Union flag while it was flying at half-mast.

“Not only have they taken our precious flag but have damaged the mechanism and rope in the flagpole itself.

“So during this period of national mourning we are saddened that we are unable to replace the flag during this time.”

Mike Facey - Conservative

‘DESPICABLE ACT’: Cllr Mike Facey, mayor of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge hit out after the theft of Burnham’s Union flag

The incident was reported to the police, and a spokesperson for Burnham-on-Sea Town Council said: “We have asked Sedgemoor District Council if there is CCTV footage covering this incident and are waiting to hear from them.”

Now a town council spokesperson has confirmed to the Weekly News that the flag had been found, and was back in the council’s possession.

The town council was expecting to get the flagpole mechanism fixed yesterday (April 21), so that the flag could be flown in support of Somerset Day, which is on Tuesday, May 11 this year.