A seven-year-boy discovered more than he bargained for when he walked along the riverbank with his dad.
Graeme Booth was walking with son Campbell along the River Calder near Allanton when the youngster stumbled on a stash of watches, jewellery and other valuables.
Stunned Graeme, who lives in Bonkle, couldn’t believe the huge number of items that had been washed up.
He said: “We go down to the river quite regularly. There is a tree-swing down there that Campbell likes to play on.
“We made our way down with the dog and then Campbell picked up what we thought was a chocolate coin from the river.
“I had a look at it and it turned to be some kind of medal.
“We then found 15 or 16 watches and a number of gold and silver chains. It was unbelievable to see all of them just floating in the river.
“I have no idea how much they were worth but they were certainly very heavy which made me think they must be very valuable.”
Graeme and his son quickly made their way to Wishaw Police Office to hand in the jewellery.
Young Campbell said: “It was great to find all the things. It was the first time I had found anything like that but I thought we better take them to the police.”
Graeme added: “Handing them into the police was the first thought that came into Campbell’s head.
“He told me that the jewellery could have belonged to someone’s gran so he wanted to make sure they got them back.
“I was over the moon for him. That’s the type of wee boy he is.
“They may have sentimental value to someone so hopefully they are reunited with their rightful owner.
“The police told him ‘well done’ and that he had done the right thing handing them in.”
Inspector Martin Spiers thanked Campbell for handing in the various items to the police.
He added: “We can confirm a number of items were handed into Wishaw Police Office on Sunday afternoon. We are currently trying to establish whether or not the items are linked to any criminality.
“We would like to congratulate the young man who found these items and handed them to the police.
“It was a very civic thing for him to do.”
