POLICE are appealing for help to reunite a set of decades-old war medals – including the Military Cross – with their rightful owner.

The six Second World War medals were found by a member of the public near the River Swale, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, last Tuesday.

The Military Cross was awarded to Lieutenant Thomas Reynolds, from Surrey, in April 1943.

Little is known about him other than that his regiment was the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) and his service number was 108199.

It is though he was later promoted to major because the other medals are inscribed Major T Reynolds, KOYLI.

Any connection he may have had with Richmond is unclear.

As well as the Miltary Cross, which was awarded for gallantry, a set of miniature replica medals were found.

Mystery surrounds the ownership of the medals and how they ended up by the riverside, close to Mercury Bridge, in Station Road.

Police inquiries to trace the owners of the medals are ongoing.

The medals also include the 1939-1945 War Medal, the 1939- 45 Defence Medal, the 1939- 1945 Star, the North and North East Africa Star (1st Army) and the 1943-1945 Italy Star. Sergeant Neil Northend, of Richmond police, said: “These sentimental and historically valuable medals are an unusual find and I am very keen to reunite them with their owner as soon as possible.”

The KOYLI existed from 1881 to 1968. Its history and traditions are now maintained by The Rifles.

Anyone who can help the police with inquiries is asked to call 0845-60-60-24-7.