A former soldier who lost his busby after a recycling firm mistakenly took it has spoken of his surprise.

The 39-year-old man, who asked not to be named, said he had been moving out from a friend's house in Willow Way, Dovercourt, when the incident happened.

He said: "I was moving my bags and I put three or four bags outside. I went upstairs to get some more and by the time I got back, the first ones had gone.

"I just think they probably made a mistake, but they have hit the jackpot. I'm smiling about it now but when I realised what I have lost, it does turn your stomach."

Inside the bags was a busby the man owned from his time in the Scots Guards, as well as combat suits, belts and trousers.

A large collection of designer clothes was also taken between 1pm and 2pm on Monday, as well as toiletries.

The man said he had only been gone two or three minutes, and as the street was quiet he thought it must have been the recycling firm.

A spokesman for Tendring Council said it had no collections in the area that day and it must have been a private firm.

Anyone who can help should call Harwich police on 01255 241312

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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