Solved by Mary Archer...the strange case of the saucy shepherd

But the bestselling author had a secret weapon in his determination to catch the thieves - his wife Mary.

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As soon as the figures - including a naked shepherd - vanished in February, Lady Archer sprang into action as a DIY sleuth, offering a cash reward and carrying out her own inquiries in the area around their property in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire.

When her efforts slowly bore fruit, she began to compile a list of possible culprits - and finally handed it over to police, who were able to recover the artworks.

Chris Beetles, a friend of the Archers and an art gallery director, said: "It was pretty much through Mary that the sculptures were recovered. It would be unfair to claim the police were lazy, but she definitely helped the investigation.

"Like everything she does in life, she was very tenacious. She doesn't ever give up."

Lady Archer, who is a scientist specialising in solar power, pursued her investigations with precision.

Mr Beetles added: "She worked out what the weight of the melted bronze would be and how much it would be worth. She then offered the same amount, £400. The sculptures were found on the verge of being melted down. A group of travellers are believed to be involved."

Lord Archer, 67, who was jailed for perjury and perverting the course of justice in 2001, has been collecting sculptures for years.

The naked shepherd was one of two pieces stolen. Along with four sheep, it forms a work called Shepherd And Sheep by Christopher Marvell.

When it was installed in 1988, Lady Archer felt that the shepherd was too well-endowed and the sculptor agreed to adjust the offending part.

The second stolen piece, Girl Doing A Handstand, was commissioned in 1986 from Lord Archer's friend Sydney Harpley.

Mr Beetles said: "The sculptures were scratched and damaged on their recovery, but they have been repaired and repatinated. Now they look lovely. Both Mary and Jeffrey felt bereft when they were stolen and are delighted to get them back."

Detective Inspector Chris Mead of Cambridgeshire police said he was 'confident' that arrests would be made 'in the forthcoming weeks'.

Lord and Lady Archer were unavailable for comment.