A certificate of merit awarded to a schoolgirl during the First World War has resurfaced after 91 years, stuck to the back of a cabinet in a Spanish holiday home.

The certificate was awarded to Ulcombe Primary School pupil Nellie Giles on April 30, 1917, to mark her “regular attendance and good conduct.”

But it is a mystery how the certificate, carefully wrapped in cling film, came to be taped to the back of an antique unit in an apartment in Torrevieja on Spain’s Costa Brava.

It was discovered by Roy and Myma Whitehead from Larne in County Antrim, who were on holiday. Mrs Whitehead is a retired school secretary and immediately recognised that her find could be of interest to Ulcombe school.

On their return she contacted Vincent Hampton, head teacher at Ulcombe, and sent the yellowed award on to him.

Mr Hampton said: “It seems utterly incredible that this certificate should end up back at school after more than 90 years, and even more incredible when one considers the journey it has taken that we know of!

“I wonder what stories it could tell and where it may have been. We are extremely grateful to Mr and Mrs Whitehead for taking the time and trouble to contact the school and send it on.”

The find has arrived at an ideal moment as this term, Mr Vincent is launching a campaign to improve attendance among pupils.

He said: “Some children do miss a lot of school, sometimes through illness, sometimes through parents taking them away on holiday. Parents must understand that there is a cost in terms of their child’s lost education. Let’s hope that Nellie Giles proves an inspiration.”

The certificate noted that Nellie had attended class on 402 occasions out of a possible 403.

Mr Hampton has managed to trace two nieces of Nellie Giles: Angela Crundwell, of Staplehurst, and Brenda Croucher, of Frittenden. Mrs Croucher said that Nellie, who lived in the property now known as Poplar Cottage in Windmill Hill, “was a lovely lady. She was everyone’s favourite auntie.”