CAT optical assistant Jenna Griffiths with the WRVS medal found in the box

A medal for distinguished service has been discovered in a bin full of old glasses at a Shrewsbury opticians.

Staff at Dollond & Aitchison in Pride Hill made the surprising find as they sorted through a charity collection box full of old specs, which are due to be sent to the third world. The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WVS) medal and ribbon was found in a green box and is inscribed ‘Service Beyond Self’.

The medal, which is awarded to members of the Women’s Voluntary Service for 15 years of exemplary service, is engraved with the name Mrs G M Morris.

Staff at the opticians are now hoping the owner will realise their mistake and come forward to reclaim the treasure.

Manager Richard Wareing said: “One of our staff was sorting through the box and came across it.

“Someone has obviously made a bit of a faux pas.

“It could belong to a relative of Mrs Morris perhaps.

“We don’t know what to do with it and I hope someone comes forward to reclaim it.

“I have searched for the name G M Morris on our system and it came up with about 15 to 20 names. Someone has obviously made a big mistake and it has ended up in the collection box.”

The box with the medal also included a letter with instructions about the correct way to wear the honour.

It said: “On occasions when royalty is present or when orders and decorations are worn, the WVS medal should be worn of the left side of the uniform.”

The Women’s Voluntary Service was founded in 1938 to help with the impending Second World War and in particular, deal with the impact of large-scale air raids on civilian targets.

During the war its members were active in every aspect of civilian welfare and more than 240 WVS volunteers lost their lives during the war.

After the war the WVS routinely supported many people, especially the elderly and the vulnerable,and has also been on hand in times of disaster to support both victims and rescue services with practical help.

In 1966 the Queen granted the organisation the prefix ‘Royal’ in recognition of its valued work.

To claim the medal Contact the Shrewsbury branch of Dollond & Aitchison on (01743) 344713.