AN Army veteran is making an appeal to reunite a First World War medal found in a County Durham village with the soldier’s family.

Colin Hodgson, of West Cornforth, was passed the Victory Medal from a friend who found it while digging the foundations for new houses in Trimdon Village, near Sedgefield.

Mr Hodgson has since worked with local historian Andy Denholm, who has researched the medal and found that it belonged to Robert Henry Brown.

Mr Denholm discovered that Mr Brown was also awarded the 1915 Star and the British War Medal whilst serving in the 15th Durham Light Infantry.

“He enlisted on the September 5, 1914, I believe this was at Deaf Hill Colliery and he embarked from Folkestone and disembarked at Boulogne, France on the September 11, 1915,” he said.

“On May 11 1916 he was discharged from the 17th Battalion DLI with a shrapnel wound to the head. He was also awarded the Silver War badge numbered 81506.

“I believe Robert may have lived and worked in the Trimdons following his discharge from the Army in 1916.”

Mr Hodgson added: “People think a medal is just a medal but they are invaluable and irreplaceable. It’s so important that we reunite Robert’s medal with his family. He might have a great grandson serving now.”

Anyone with information on Mr Brown’s family is asked to contact Mr Denholm on 07891204260 or cornforthhistory@gmail.com