By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 10:30, Friday, 03 July 2009

When rugby coach David Ward lost his wedding ring on the pitch at Penrith he thought he would never see it again.

David Ward and his wife Amanda with the missing ring found with help of Victor Wright, back and his metal detectors

The 37-year-old of St Aidan’s Road, Carlisle, spent hours searching unsuccessfully for the piece of jewellery but then to his relief a metal detector finally picked it up.

Mr Ward, a chartered accountant, explained: “I was taking part in a two-day RFU coaching session at Penrith Rugby Club when I lost it. I was gutted when I couldn’t find it.

“I put the ring in my pocket – which looking back was probably a silly thing to do – and it was during the first break that I realised that it had gone.

“Unfortunately, it came loose and I lost my wedding ring somewhere on Penrith’s 1st XV pitch.

“I spent all of my breaks and lunchtimes looking for the ring. The other lads helped me look for it to no avail.”

Mr Ward returned home and broke the news to his wife Amanda.

He said: “She took it really well considering but said that I was a bit daft for putting it in my pocket in the first place.”

Determined not to give up, Mr Ward put an advert in the lost and found section of a local newspaper and later received a call from Victor Wright, who lives in Penrith.

Mr Ward, a co-ordinator and one of the coaches for the under-sevens at Carlisle Rugby Club, said: “I asked if anyone with a metal detector could help me and Victor got in touch. He is a keen, amateur metal detector enthusiast. I also wrote to Chris Lilley, treasurer of Penrith Rugby Club, informing him of my loss.”

Mr Ward and Mr Wright spent two hours on Sunday armed with two metal detectors working a grid formation of Penrith’s 1st XV pitch.

“We had lots of false alarms finding lots of rugby boot studs but eventually we found my wedding ring. I was elated. Victor would take no money from me for his time and effort – he just wanted to help. It shows there are still very good people out there who are prepared to help. Chris Lilley and Penrith Rugby Club were really understanding and I would like to thank Victor for replying to my advert, helping me out and being unselfish.

“He is a very kind and generous man.”

Mr Wright, 75, said: “It was good that David had a rough idea where he had lost it. It took two hours to find but we found it in the end. It meant a lot to David. I’m glad I was able to help.”

First published at 05:14, Friday, 03 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk