A rare 18th century clock which was stolen from a historic manor more than 20 years ago has been returned.

The antique clock dating back to the 1760s was taken from Preston Manor in Brighton in 2001 having stood in the building since at least 1905.

Despite a search it could not be traced.

But now, more than 20 years later, the musical clock has been returned to its home after it was recovered from an auction house last year.

Hedley Swain, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Museums which runs Preston Manor, said: “This is an important item, not just because of its rarity and beauty but because it has a direct link with Brighton’s municipal history and the early history of the Brighton and Hove Museums.

The Argus: Dan Robertson, left, and Tom CarterDan Robertson, left, and Tom Carter (Image: Sussex Police)

“We aim to ensure the clock is back to working order so we can display it once again in Preston Manor.

“We are so thrilled to have this wonderful item returned to us after so long. We want to thank Sussex Police and the Art Loss Register for their hard work in restoring the clock to its home.”

The Thomas Hunter Jr Bracket clock was made by one of the best clockmakers in the country at the time.

It was painted with maritime motifs and proved a hit with young visitors to the museum as sailing ships moved in time to music on the hour.

The Argus: The antique clockThe antique clock (Image: Sussex Police)

Two men stole the clock from Preston Manor on February 12, 2001, and made off in a car.

When the item was put up for sale at an auction house last year, the clock was flagged by the Art Loss Register and returned to the museum earlier this month.

The auction house had previously sold the clock 20 years ago but had not realised that it was previously stolen.

Sussex Police Sergeant Tom Carter said: “Despite this, we were pleased to have been able to return this historic item back to its rightful owner."