A stolen telescope from Richmond Hill can finally be replaced after a local charity receives funds from Richmond Council’s Civic Pride Scheme.

The Father Thames Trust, which aims to educate people about the Thames, has been awarded £4,500 to replace a rare telescope, which was stolen from The Terrace in 2016.

Thanks to funding by Patricia Spaight, a local resident, who made the donation in memory of her late husband – Air Commodore Robin Spaight – the telescope was installed in 2016 to celebrate the view from Richmond Hill.

Linda Duffield, a Trustee of the Father Thames Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Richmond Council for this Civic Pride grant.

"The View from Richmond Hill draws visitors from all over the world as well as local residents.

"This telescope will give enormous pleasure to many people.”

The original telescope had been a long standing aspirational project for the Thames Landscape Strategy and Richmond Council and was finally installed as a 20th Birthday project for the Strategy in partnership with Mrs Spaight.

Set up by locals of Richmond Kingston, in 1996, the Father Thames Trust aims to help people the most of the river by increasing and improving access to it.

Cllr David Linnette, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Voluntary Services, said: “It was deeply upsetting that the telescope, Patricia’s generous gift to the community, was stolen less than a year after it was unveiled.

“I am thrilled that the Council has been able to help fund a replacement that will be in place for many years to come.

“The view from Richmond Hill is one of the jewels of our borough. And soon, when the telescope is returned to its rightful place, many more people will be able to celebrate its beauty.”

The Council’s Civic Pride Fund is available to individuals or groups who want to organise a project or event to improve their local area and deliver more for their local communities.

Grants of up to £5k are available to organisations and £1k for individuals.