Compass used on historic globe voyage returned to museum after being stolen in Rochdale over 50 years ago

This compass from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's round-the-world yacht was stolen in Rochdale in 1969 - and has now been handed into a museum in Anglesey

A compass from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's round-the-world yacht – which was stolen in Rochdale - has turned up over 50 years later in Holyhead, Anglesey.

Sir Robin, 83, from Portsmouth, became the first person to circumnavigate the globe both solo and non-stop in 1968/69.

The compass he used on the 312-day voyage, was stolen from the boat he built himself for the voyage - Suhaili - whilst on loan to a charity in Rochdale in 1969.

However, it has now turned up at the Holyhead Maritime Museum, Anglesey.

Gerry Thomas, from the museum, said the compass was brought in earlier this month by a “mysterious” woman who said that her late husband had stolen the item from Sir Robin’s yacht.

Mr Thomas said: “Though the police were informed, the compass had vanished. After contacting Sir Robin and sending photographs for him to confirm that it was the missing compass, he was over the moon to get it back. He informed me that it was made especially for the round the world race in 1969 and was made in Bombay.”

The compass is now on temporary display at the museum until Sir Robin collects it later in the year.

Mr Thomas added: “He has also promised to give a talk to us when he comes to collect.”