A family from Longtown may be reunited with their late grandfather after remains, believed to be his, were uncovered in a World War II grave in France.

The discovery, described as an 'unbelievable event' sparked by social media, was made by a Frenchman Mathieu Lecul in Basse Forêt d'Eu, in the Somme region.

Michelle Johnston, formerly Wright, was contacted by Mathieu after he unearthed the remains. 

The discovery came with a significant piece of evidence: a gold ring bearing initials that correspond to those of Michelle's grandfather, Corporal Donald Wright. 

Corporal Wright was part of the 4th Battalion The Border Regiment, formed of men from the likes of Carlisle, Penrith, Keswick,  Longtown, Brampton, and many others. 

It is unclear as to when exactly Corporal Wright passed, however, it is believed to be between June 6 - 10, 1940 - the same date the Borders regiment was said to have suffered many casualties from heavy German bombing near Incheville. 

"When researching the battalion, it seems there was no one else with the D.W initials - that we're aware of," Michelle said. 

"It also ties in with my dad's knowledge that his grandfather had passed on the ring to his father.

"We've got such gratitude to this Mathieu for reaching out to us, we would have never found any information out if it wasn't for him," she said. 

Michelle has been engaging with Cumbria's Museum of Military Life to help corroborate the story. 

"The difficulty is now, we're waiting for DNA to come back from the body, but we've been told it could be between one and three years," she said. 

If the DNA test confirms the match, it would not only provide closure especially for Michelle's father Donald who is in his 80s, but also a unique opportunity to celebrate a hero’s life.

"To have these remains, even for another family, would mean the absolute world to us. 

"My father never met his dad, he was born two weeks after he was killed.

"He was always so proud that his dad laid down his life for his country, he visits the memorial in Longtown bearing his name every Remembrance Day, he would be extra proud if we could find this out," Michelle said. 

If confirmed, Michelle said Corporal Wright would be entitled to a full burial with military honors, a fitting tribute to his service and sacrifice.

"It's unbelievable that it has come at this time," she said. 

"It touches you that someone has gone out of their way to try and reconnect families. 

"As a family, we want closure for my grandfather and my father," Michelle said.