PEOPLE in Thanet are being urged to search under their floorboards and raid their attics as the hunt in under way to recover the missing Ramsgate Week sailing gold cup.

The town’s Royal Temple Yacht Club is offering a cash reward for the return of its famous trophy. It disappeared mysteriously some 50 years ago.

The solid gold trophy had been presented to the winner of the Ramsgate Week sailing regatta which began in 1897. When it was not returned, the club could not afford to replace it and so a replica was made with a gold finish to present to the Ramsgate Week winners.

This year Ramsgate Week coincides with the 150th anniversary of the club.

Commodore Davena Green believes that the treasure may still be hidden away in a house in the district.

She said: "This is a very special year for the club and we are keen to hear from anyone who can give us more information about the historic cup or our annual regatta.

"We have funds to purchase heirlooms connected with the club and we would encourage anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the cup to get in touch."

* For more information about Ramsgate Week or the Royal Temple Yacht Club, visit the club’s website at www.rtyc.com

RTYC is currently finalising a programme of events for Ramsgate Week 2007, which will run from Monday, August 11, to Friday, August 14.