Children dig up 93 year-old Doris's jewels two years after burglary

The pensioner, identified by police only as Doris, was given back her possessions which included a jewellery box and items owned by her late husband.

The valuables were discovered by a brother and sister who were out playing over the weekend and discovered the jewels in a box.

The youngsters handed in their find to South Yorkshire Police and checks on the police database revealed the owner.

A police spokeswoman described the incident as “very rewarding” for the officers who had delivered the jewellery back to its rightful owner.

She said: “It’s not very often we have such joy at being able to reunite belongings back to their owners.

“This has been a great exception to this. Two children playing in woodland unearthed what they thought was buried treasure.

“Following from a request from the children to help get this back to the owner, we conducted a number of checks and finally found the owner.”

South Yorkshire Police have posted the incident on Facebook and many people have come forward to comment on the wonderful actions of the children.

One Facebook commenter, Val Burgan, wrote: “Well done those honest children, their parents should be proud.”

Another social media user, Gill MacLaine, said: “Children - you are absolutely wonderful for wanting to return these items to their owner.

“You parents have every right to feel proud of you for your good and kind actions. Well done.”

The police spokeswoman described Doris’ delight at receiving her jewellery.

She said: “Doris was overwhelmed with emotion when we greeted her at the door with her belongings.

“She confirmed the jewellery had been stolen in a burglary over two years ago.

“Fighting back the tears, Doris said she couldn’t believe her luck at being reunited with her jewellery box and other items including those owned by her late husband.”