A PENSIONER is appealing for the family of a World War One serviceman to come forward after finding his medal in a cemetery.

Ada Simpson, of Darlington, found the World War One Victory medal in the town’s West Cemetery, in Carmel Road North, almost two years ago.

However the 91-year-old did not hand the medal in at the time and it was later found by her daughter, Janice Atkinson, as she was cleaning up her house.

Ms Atkinson said: “She found it on the floor in the cemetery. Why she kept it we’re not sure, but she probably meant to hand it in at the office but it might have been shut.

“It would be so nice to reunite it with the family of the owner.”

The medal is thought to belong to Private Ernest A. Pilcher who served in the East Kent Regiment. He also served in the Hertfordshire Regiment as a Lance Corporal.

The bronze medal has an image of the Angel of Victory on the front, and ‘The Great War for Civilisation 1914 – 1919’ surrounded by a laurel wreath engraved on the back.

The words 863 PTE E.A. PILCHER E. KENT. R are also engraved on the rim.

Victory medals were awarded to all those who entered the theatre of war.

Anyone with any information on who the medal belongs to is asked to contact Northern Echo reporter Hannah Bryan on 01325-505073.