A COUPLE are trying to trace the owner of First and Second World War medals which have come into their possession.

The medals have almost been thrown out twice, but were recovered by Chris White when she was clearing out a house in Newton Aycliffe.

One of the medals is from the First World War and has the name Private T Mahan inscribed on it. He was in the Durham Light Infantry and had the Army number 16221.

The other four medals are all from the Second World War and have no name on, but may belong to the same person.

They are all on the same bar and include the France and Germany Star, the 1939-45 Star, a Defence Medal, and one with no inscription other than "1939-45".

Mrs White's husband, Dave, said: "The medals were given to this lady's husband by mistake and found by my wife when she was cleaning out the flat.

"She was going to put them in the bin, but gave them to Chris."

The DLI museum said it would accept the medals, but Mr White would like to have a go at tracing the owner, or a relative, before parting with them.

He said: "I don't want anything for the medals, but I'm not going to throw them in the bin.

"There were many many soldiers who served in both wars and, with them being together, I wondered if they belonged to the same person, although they could belong to different people."

Anyone who thinks they know who the medals belong to can contact Mr White on (01325) 316246.