A RETIRED teacher had to enlist the help of an expert metal detectorist after losing his wedding ring while gardening.

Mark Lewis’ latest vow to his wife is to get the ring resized as a matter of urgency after his stomach dropped when he saw his naked finger.

Mr Lewis was trimming the greenery outside the front of his house in Rowhedge and cursed his luck when it appeared it had slipped off while he was busy finetuning his front garden.

He said: “I felt like a complete idiot and just really stupid having not taken it off before I did the work.

“My hand felt naked; looking down and realising the ring had gone was not a nice feeling. I felt like a complete berk.”

Gazette: Relived - Mark Lewis lost the ring while gardening in RowhedgeRelived - Mark Lewis lost the ring while gardening in Rowhedge

The retired teacher, who has been married to wife Lynn for eight years, explained how the ring is a symbol of love between them and conveys their partnership for life.

Such is his commitment to his beloved wife and their vows, he purchased his own metal detector to scout around the hedge with, in the hope it might reappear.

“I had a couple of goes and searched for hours,” added Mr Lewis. “I had no joy whatsoever but somebody my neighbour knows recommended an expert who might be able to help”.

And it was to be Marcus Read, who volunteers for the National Ring Recovery Service, who would swoop in to save the day just one week later.

Gazette: Evasive - the ringEvasive - the ring

Mr Lewis explained: “Marcus came over and we had a chat and a coffee and he explained he would have a look for me.

“Within half an hour he knocked on the door and told me he had some good news for me. I couldn’t believe it, I was like ‘wow, this is fantastic’.

“It had got lost under some gravel at the bottom of the hedge and was barely visible.

“I’m going to get it resized now as it was slightly too big and I should have done so a long time ago. I think now it’s an absolute priority.”