“I COULD not have wished for a better Christmas present.”

Those are the words of a jubilant Hampshire pensioner who has been reunited with a precious set of war medals that were stolen from his Hampshire home two months ago.

Trevor Price, 78, was left devastated after burglars snatched five medals awarded to his father Edward, who was killed during the Second World War.

They also stole six medals that were earned by his grandfathers during the First World War.

Mr Price, 78, of North Street, Pennington, was convinced he would never see the precious keepsakes again. But police have found them at a house in Totton and returned them to their rightful owner.

The pensioner said: “The police phoned me, saying they had some really good news, and then brought the medals round to my home.

“I couldn't have wished for a better Christmas present. The monetary value of the medals is nothing but their sentimental value is so great.

“We can't the police enough - they were superb.

“They kept us informed throughout their investigation into the break-in. They really made us feel they were trying - and now they've succeeded.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mr Price was just four-years-old when his father Edward was killed in Rome in 1944, aged just 32.

Edward served in the 8th Army and his medals included the Africa Star. Trevor's grandfathers, William Palmer and George Price, were honoured with three medals each for their service in the First World War.

Mr Price and his wife Patricia, 71, discovered the break-in after returning from a visit to relatives in September.

Thieves smashed their way into the house and a targeted safe in the study. As well as stealing the medals they made off with cash and jewellery worth more than £1,000.

Speaking at the time Mr Price said the medals were family treasures.

The retired aircraft engineer added: “My father gave his life for his country so they meant a lot to me. I was proud to have them.

“While you have the medals they always live on.”

• Richard Taylor, 24, of Sunset Road in Totton has been charged with handling stolen goods and remanded in custody.