There were tears for a clown when little Sean Watkins' comfort doll went missing during a hospital visit.

Three-year-old Sean's mum, Martine, placed his beloved Clown at the foot of her son's bed as he was about to go into Southend Hospital's operating theatre to have grommets inserted in both ears.

But after the op, there was no sign of the treasured toy, which Sean's nan had bought him when he was born.

Clown had been bundled up with the sheets and was on his way to the Big Wash at Basildon Hospital's laundry, where Southend has a contract.

Mrs Watkins, of The Grove, Southend, said: "He was without him for a week. He was really upset and kept asking where Clown was. The operation had gone well, but because he was without Clown he was upset and didn't settle.

"Clown goes to bed with him every night and he has to have him just so. Even if he falls off the bed, Sean cannot go to sleep."

Then came a phone call to say a nurse had found Clown - a bit cleaner, but none the worse for his ordeal.

Mrs Watkins placed him on her son's bed so he was there in the morning. She said: "Sean just woke up and said: 'I've found Clown'."

Reunited - Sean gives Clown a bug hug after they were parted for a week

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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