TREASURED medal ribbons from the Second World War have been reunited with their owner, thanks to Gazette readers.

Peter Cobbold, 78, from Elmstead Market, found the ribbons at Wivenhoe Sailing Club.

After an appeal in the paper, Mr Cobbold received messages from people saying they belonged to Russian war veteran Dmitry Zaretsky.

Peter tracked him down and he has returned the ribbons.

Mr Zaretsky’s daughter Marina said: “It means the world to him to have them back.

He was very happy.

“When he wears his ribbons it shows people that he is a veteran and was involved in the war.

“He is very proud of them.”

Great grandfather Mr Zaretsky, 94, of The Dale, Wivenhoe, served in the war, which is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, from 1941 to 1945. He was in Berlin when it ended and continued to serve with the Russian Army.

He also fought in the war between Russia and Finland in 1939.

Before joining the Army aged 19, Mr Zaretsky was studying to be a film critic, but never had the chance to return to that career path.

Originally from St Petersburg, he first visited England 20 years ago for Marina’s wedding and later moved to join her.

Mr Zaretsky lost the ribbons at the sailing club, which he visits regularly despite not speaking English, about three weeks ago.

Ms Zaretskaya said: “He was very upset.

We didn’t knowwhere to look.

“Then we had a lot of neighbours call saying they had seen the photo in the paper.

“We’re extremely grateful to Peter.

“I don’t knowwhat we would have done if we didn’t find them.

“They connect him to his homeland and his past.”