A newspaper in Lancashire is appealing for the help of Mercury readers to track down the owner and origins of this medal.

The Bolton News featured an article about the miniature shield, which was found in a home in Deane, Bolton.

It may have belonged to a resident who came to Kent to work during the war, possibly in the Kent Coalfield. The owner may have relocated to Lancashire, or the medal may have been inherited by a family member.

The inscription says: Deal, Walmer and Distroct Victoria Hospital Cup Competition. On the back it says it was the runners up Senior Shield 1938-39.

It was discovered by a friend of Peter Winstanley, and it came up in conversation when they were talking about Peter visiting his brother in Sidcup, Kent.

His pal left the pub and returned with the medal to show Peter.

He vowed to find out more, especially on how it found its way to Bolton, and he has his own theory.

“I know that during the Second World War, men who were not serving in the forces did go down to Kent to work.

“Perhaps this belonged to someone from Bolton who went down to Kent and came home with the medal having taken part in the competition.”

He appealed in the Bolton News for someone to shed light. Meanwhile the Mercury has teamed up with Bolton News reporter Gayle McBain to appeal to our readers in Deal.

If you can help solve this mystery, contact Beth Robson on 01304 365526, or Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqsw.co.uk