Grieving widower Ted Richings, who was traumatised by a distraction burglary at his home, has had his faith in human nature restored after a farmer found some of his stolen medals and handed them to police.

The First World War medals had been awarded to his father and others came from a family friend, and were of huge sentimental value.

The 89-year-old of Broad Mead, Corsham, has been suffering since his wife Olive died in an horrific car crash on the M4 in March 2007. He fell victim to a distraction burglary in January, when as well as the medals £1,000 in cash was taken.

Paul Richards, of Court Farm, Gastard, handed the medals in to the police after finding them in the snow in one of his fields shortly afterwards.

They have now been returned to Mr Richings, after being tested for fingerprints.

Although the return of the medals has given him some piece of mind, the Second World War veteran admits he has been scarred by the theft.

“I don’t open the door to anyone unless I know who they are and the police have re-fitted all my locks and put in security measures to prevent it happening again, but the damage has already been done,” he said..

“The police have been really good and it was also very kind of Mr Richards to return the medals. He is a lovely chap.”

“I have been finding it so hard to cope after losing my wife as she was such a wonderful person and when I found out I had been robbed I couldn’t understand why another terrible thing had happened to me.

“I was so upset afterwards I collapsed in the kitchen.”

Mr Richings was lured out of his house on a pretence during the burglary, when his wallet containing money was taken from his jacket, and more money and the medals stolen from his bedroom. He did not realise he had been robbed until he went to pay his paper bill.

Anyone with information about the distraction burglary, which happened on Monday, January 12 should call 0845 408 7000.