A widow who was left devastated after losing her wedding ring has been reunited with it thanks to a Sidmouth schoolgirl, writes Beth Sharp.

Helen Goodall, whose husband Ron died 11 years ago, realised her gold wedding band was missing last Monday.

After issuing a plea on Facebook, which was shared more than 100 times, and appealing to Herald readers, she received an email from the mother of a 10-year-old Sidmouth Primary School pupil saying it had been found.

The 52-year-old teaching assistant said: “I never thought I would see it again. I whooped when I saw the email. I was just over the moon.”

Helen had searched of all the bins at Sidmouth Primary School before going home and turning her house upside-down, retracing her steps from the weekend and digging up eight planters of bulbs and plants.

“I was touched by how many people cared enough to help me,” said Helen.

“I couldn’t believe how many people shared my Facebook post - more than 120 people contacted me by leaving comments and sending messages. I’d like to thank the little girl very much.”