Newlywed’s lost rings found 150ft off coast by detectorist

AN UNDERWATER metal detectorist reunited a newlywed with the wedding and engagement rings she lost in the sea when he located them more than 150 feet off the coast.

Jodie Clayton, 26, had been playing in the waves at Canford Cliffs beach in Poole, Dorset, when her engagement and wedding bands slid off her finger.

Mrs Clayton and her husband Oli, who tied the knot 11 months ago, frantically combed the seabed and took turns underwater in their search, to no avail. The pair then called on Richard Higham, a metal detectorist who specialises in finding items underwater, after learning he lived nearby.

Armed with a wetsuit, metal detector and scoop, Mr Higham searched the area for more than five hours after the rings disappeared and unearthed the jewellery just before the tide turned.

Mrs Clayton said: “I just love those rings and was devastated when I lost them. Even though it’s ‘only’ jewellery they’re so precious to me and my wedding ring was blessed, it was absolutely heartbreaking.

“I was so gutted, I never thought I’d see them again. When Richard found my rings I went out into the water in my dress and I just jumped on him. You could see on his face he was absolutely thrilled for us. I really think someone was looking down on us that day.”

Mrs Clayton was stunned when Mr Higham would only accept £5 to cover travel expenses and instead requested an animal charity donation.

Mr Higham, from Swanage, Dorset, said: “I think all human nature knows the positive side of being kind. I feel very humble and proud to say that I was the one that prevented them from feeling very, very down and negative.”