WEDDING rings, precious medals and even a mandolin have been unearthed by staff at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in lost property dating back for more than a decade.

Now they are appealing for help to find the rightful owners of the various items.

Sue Nicholson, the social service's department financial services manager, said: "Historically, social services has held personal items for safe-keeping on behalf of its residents in elderly persons homes, dating back to before unitary status in 1996.

"This property has remained with us for a variety of reasons. It could be the owner has died and there was no next of kin, or we have not been able to trace the next of kin. We have all manner of items, wedding rings, ornaments and bric-a-brac, old photographs and medals - even a mandolin.

"Now it is time to take stock of the situation. We want to make a final effort to trace the owners, but if that fails, we will make a value judgement on what to do with the items. Some could be sold at auction and the proceeds given to charity, some could be given to our museums service."

Anyone who wishes to see the items or make a claim, is asked to call (01642) 771649 or (01642) 771644.