WAR medals stolen from a charity shop display have been returned to their owners.

Janice Collinson, manager of the YMCA charity shop, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, was devastated when two First World War medals, awarded to her husband’s late grandfather, were taken on Saturday, June 7.

The Victory Medal and the British War Medal were part of a First and Second World War display to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

However, following an appeal in The Northern Echo, the medals were handed in by a member of the public who bought them.

Mrs Collinson, of Barnard Castle, said: “We didn’t think we would ever see them again but thanks to the appeal we have got them back.

“We had them on display and we must have been distracted when someone took them. I guess you live and learn.

“We won’t do this again, which is such a shame because we had so many lovely comments about the display.”

The thief is yet to be caught. Witnesses should call Bishop Auckland police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.