A STOLEN milk float of “incalculable” value has been found.

The vehicle belonging to a Hampshire farmer was taken from his yard on the morning of November 16, writes Gareth Newnham.

As previously reported, the priceless antique milk float belonged to Jack Martin, and was in use from the 1920s.

But it was taken from Beacon Hill Farm on Warnford Road, Exton, in the Meon Valley – leaving the family devastated by its loss.

Now Mr Martin said it’s been found about 20 miles away on a secluded road by a local dog walker .

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s a great way to start the day. We got several calls all at once. People had woken up and seen it. Thieves had taken it and just left it.

“There’s absolutely no damage. It was obviously too hot to handle. We hitched it up and brought it back. It’s just kept in the yard which is miles away from anywhere but it will definitely be locked up from now on.”

Mr Martin added: “We’ve never had it valued but it’s worth a hell of a lot to us. It was designed for my great-grandfather. That used to build them here and there about 20 of them but they were all sold off. So if anyone else has one we’d love to buy it. They haven’t been in use for about 40 years – when electric floats came in”.

Mr Martin added: “They left it right on the edge of Boorley Green. They must have hitched it to a car and then decided it wasn’t worth it after all the media attention and people sharing it. So we’re very appreciative. “

It was found on Crow’s Nest Road.