A PLAQUE honouring The Northern Echo’s pioneering former editor William Stead has been returned to its rightful place.

Members of the public had expressed concern after the plaque, situated on the wall of the historic Crown Street Library, went missing for a number of months.

In December, Darlington Borough Council said the artefact was safe and had been removed temporarily after it was vandalised.

With cleaning and restoration work complete, the plaque has been re-erected and is situated above the granite stone Mr Stead, who went down with the Titanic, tethered his dogs and pony to.

The plaque says: “This stone, originally in possession of W.T Stead when resident at Grainey Hill and to which he tethered his dogs and pony, is probably the only monument in granite to his memory in Darlington.

“The boulder is a fitting symbol of his indomitable courage and strength of character and may keep green the memory of one of England’s greatest men.

“His body perished on the Titanic when she sank April 15 1912. His spirit still lives.”

Friends of Darlington Libraries welcomed the plaque’s return.