A large amount of dumped silverware has been returned to its owner after thieves stole it over the Christmas period.

A group of children found the collection of tableware, plaques, memorabilia and jewellery - in Guildford at the beginning of January.

Detectives made inquiries with a school in Yorkshire, the name of which had been engraved on an item, and their investigations linked the silver to a burgled property in Cobham.

Detective Constable James West said: “This was a significant find and the owner was delighted to receive his silverware back.

“It was thanks to the original efforts of the children in telling their parents about their discovery and the help from historians at the school, that Surrey Police could successfully return the stolen goods.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to mark their property with a postcode to ensure that if they were unfortunate enough to become a victim of crime themselves, property could be reunited with them as a result.”