A contrite gentleman has returned one of the missing Sandys Council Cup Match banners.

Banners, flags and ribbons were used to decorate the parish and Somerset Bridge in celebration of the Cup Match holiday.

Sandys Parish Council launched an appeal for their return through The Royal Gazette after three of the priciest banners disappeared.

Yesterday, the Council's deputy chairman Rudolph Hollis said he was pleased one man chose to do just that.

"He was very embarrassed about it," Mr. Hollis said. "After the article ran he had some calls from people who knew he had the banner and then he read the article.

"He felt so bad about it that he went out of his way to return it personally, driving it to Somerset at 9 p.m. after our meeting.

"I hope that the other two banners will be returned as well."

The Council bought six banners to mark the occasion, three of which were missing. Each banner cost $360.

"We are not interested in prosecuting anyone," Mr. Hollis said again yesterday. "We just want the banners back."

Anyone who has one of the banners has been asked to drop it off at the Somerset Post Office or call Mr. Hollis on 504-5409.