A JEWEL-encrusted mouse, one of only six in the world, is to be returned to the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, from where it was stolen in 1994.

The two-inch long mechanical rodent, made in Switzerland in the eighteenth century and worth about £90,000, was spotted by staff at the Victoria and Albert museum after the reputable Bond Street jewellers S J Phillips, who had bought it in good faith, applied for an export licence prior to auction. Police then confiscated the mouse and a legal wrangle over ownership ensued.

The museum's legal representative, John McDonnell QC, who is also a trustee, told the D&S Times that the mouse's ownership had been decided in civil proceedings.

"Following the acquittal of an antiques dealer who was charged in connection with the theft, Bishop Auckland police, who were left holding the mouse, applied under the police property act to have its ownership determined," said Mr McDonnell.

"This led to proceedings, the result of which was that all parties agreed that it is the Bowes Museum's mouse after all, following examination by experts at the Victoria and Albert museum."

Mr McDonnell told how the experts were able to conclusively demonstrate, by microscopic comparison of the mouse with archive photographs kept by the museum, that it did belong to the Bowes.

The mouse will not return to Barnard Castle until its mechanism, which was damaged by the defence counsel during court proceedings, has been repaired.

"But when it does come back there will probably be a suitable celebration," added Mr McDonnell.

The museum's director, Adrian Jenkins, is on holiday, but staff at the museum said they were delighted by the news.