THE daughter and granddaughter of a sailor from Keighley district who served in the First World War have had his long lost service medal returned to them.

The 1914-15 Star medal was presented to Cross Roads resident Margaret Barrett and her daughter Elaine Bingham by the Men of Worth military history project at Keighley Library.

Mrs Barrett's father was chief petty officer Herman Willie Holden, who was in the Royal Navy during the war and was mentioned in dispatches for his dedicated service.

Andy Wade, of Men of Worth, said: "Herman lived in Micklethwaite during the Great War, but during the Second World War he served with the 28th West Riding Home Guard which was based at Keighley.

"His medal was handed to us by an anonymous donor at a history event a few years back.

"The donor had no idea how they'd come by it, although it's possible a deceased relative was a collector.

"It was kept in a drawer for many years until they gave it to us. Our project doesn't really collect things like this, although we wouldn't refuse them and we do have a few small items.

"We'd always try to return them to family members if possible, and in this case we were able to trace the family and get in touch with them.

"We handed the medal to Herman's daughter Margaret at Keighley Library. She was accompanied by her daughter Elaine and they were delighted to be able to take the medal back for their family."