AN ELATED Wolverley war hero has spoken of his delight after being reunited with his precious medals days after they stolen from his home.

John “Jack” Roberts was left distraught when he discovered that his six honours he earned whilst serving as a Royal Navy officer in the Second World War had been taken.

But after a hugely successful viral social media campaign led by Stourport Neighbourhood Watch and numerous appeals featured across the internet, including the Shuttle’s website, the thief left the medals on Mr Roberts’ car overnight on Sunday and Monday (October 31).

He is now looking forward to wearing the honours - one French Medal of Honour, one Royal Navy Patrol Service medal, one Atlantic Cross, two George Medals and a further cross that he cannot recall which campaign he won it in – at remembrance services next week.

Mr Roberts said: “I am absolutely over the moon that they have come back. They were left in a bag on the bonnet on of the car – thank heavens!

“I cannot put into words just how pleased I am. Nobody will ever know how much it means to me. What could I have done for next week’s services without them?

“The fact that they had been stolen went viral and I couldn’t believe it – it seemed to go nationwide! I want to thank everyone including the police, neighbourhood watch, The Shuttle and all those who spread the word.

“By doing that, it made the medals too hot to handle for whoever took them. They realised that there was nothing they could do with them as everyone was searching for them.

“It was my own fault as I’d accidentally left my door open when I went to the shop and they were gone by the time I returned half an hour later, but main thing is I’ve got them back now.”

Mr Roberts served with the Royal Navy Patrol Service between 1939 and 1946. They patrolled British waters and located and blew up mines and depth charges left by the Germans.

After leaving the Royal Navy, Mr Roberts held a number of jobs including being caretaker of Wolverley High School for 30 years up until 1989 and being a relief manager at pubs across the district.

The appeal that Stourport Neighbourhood Watch posted on Facebook reached more than 201,000 people in several days with more than 3,000 sharing it.

They were inundated with offers of cash rewards from people touched by the story while one offered to loan Mr Roberts his medals from his collection for Remembrance Day.

A spokesman for Stourport Neighbourhood Watch said: “It's lovely to see the community, and from our stats it shows this is worldwide, and neighbours coming together to show support, help and kindness.

“It makes what we all do at Stourport Neighbourhood Watch worth its weight in gold.”