An officer from the Royal Navy has been reunited with a prized medal that he lost during a precession in Helston.

Warrant Officer Stu Paterson, from RNAS Culdrose, was reunited with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal after putting out a plea for help on social media.

He lost the medal during the Freedom of Helston parade, as he was leading the band and the medal was dislodged from his uniform.

Stu was unable to find it in the town, and he took to Facebook to ask for help.

A short while later, ex-serviceman Craig Tripplett got in contact saying that he found the medal at the bottom of Coinagehall Street, and the prized possession was quickly returned it to its rightful owner.

Stu said: "Following a Facebook plea to find my Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, I am pleased to say that it has been found and returned to me at RNAS Culdrose. I thank you all for spreading the word on Facebook and helping me locate a small part of my Naval history".

Stu has served in the Royal Navy for 29 years, and has been in the Volunteer Band service for 26 years.

His current role at the base is operating as the quality system manager, assuring engineering standards and practices across the station, including all squadrons whether at home or deployed.