LANDLORD Andy Green wants to return a popular village pub, which commemorates a national hero, to its former glory – but is mysteriously missing one vital item.

LANDLORD Andy Green wants to return a popular village pub, which commemorates a national hero, to its former glory – but is mysteriously missing one vital item.

For the Three Mariners in Trimley St Mary has no sign, and no-one knows whether it has been stolen, mislaid or simply lost.

The pub – named in honour of explorer Thomas Cavendish, the second Englishman to sail round the world – has been without its sign for several years after it was taken down to be cleaned and was not put back again.

There is no problem identifying the inn because of the large painted mural on its outside wall of Cavendish's three ships.

But Mr Green says it would be a real cause for celebration if the lost hanging sign could be found and put back in pride of place.

"I understand the sign was of a large ship with a captain's head coming out of the vessel, and much of the sign was carved and brass," said Mr Green, who took over as licensee of the pub in High Road a month ago.

"It was apparently taken down to be cleaned, but that was the last anyone saw of it. It was never put back.

"I am asking all the locals if they have any idea of what happened to it, but we just don't know if it was sent for cleaning and no-one went to collect it, or if it is still around here somewhere and we just are not looking in the right place.

"Or, and we really hope not, whether it was stolen – there is such a market these days in memorabilia like this, especially maritime items. They are worth a fortune."

Mr Green is planning to give the pub a fresh look and says the sign would really set off the work nicely.

"I think it would be really nice to see the sign back up there – back where it belongs," he said.

"If we can find it, we will have quite a celebration and put on a special event to mark its re-hanging. I am sure someone must know where it is."

It is believed to have been taken down three to five years ago, and possibly sent away for cleaning – to a company in Ipswich or Norwich.

The Three Mariners has stood on its present site for more than 400 years. It was renamed in honour of Cavendish and for many years up until the last war its hanging sign was a lifebelt. The missing sign was put up after the war.

Originally the pub stood on the High Road near Station Road in a timber building and is thought to have moved to its home opposite the church after it burned down.

n Anyone who has any information about the missing pub sign should contact Mr Green on 01394 217999.