ISLE of Wight heptathlete Kelly Sotherton has been reunited with her Commonwealth Games gold medal after it was stolen from her home.

The treasured medal, which she won in Melbourne in 2006, was swiped from her home in Sutton Coldfield as she slept upstairs overnight between February 17–18.

The suspects also fled with other wards, including nine AAA British medals.

It prompted an appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch on Monday with the 38-year-old making a personal appeal for the return of her prized possessions.

Now she has been reunited with her Commonwealth gold after a Royal Mail delivery driver found the Commonwealth gold on his rounds while emptying a pillar box.

A gold English Schools AA medal was also recovered.

Detectives are following up several new lines of enquiry as a result of information passed to Crimewatch - including names of potential suspects - and are making CCTV enquiries near the post-box where the medals were found at around 4.30pm yesterday.

Kelly said: “I’m over the moon. Crimewatch seemed to appeal to someone’s better nature. It must have been a bit of a shock for the postie but I’m glad it was put somewhere safe and can’t wait to get my hands on it again."

Crimewatch’s Executive Editor Joe Mather added: “There was a huge response to Kelly’s appeal on Crimewatch and it’s very gratifying when there’s such an immediate result."

"We’re delighted Kelly has got her most precious medal back and encourage anyone with any more information about the outstanding items to get in touch with the police."

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mindy Mahil from North Birmingham Police, said: “I’ve been in contact with Kelly and told her of the find…she’s absolutely thrilled as she feared the medal was lost forever.

Daily Echo:

Kelly Sotherton's gold medal. Photo courtesy of West Midlands Police

“It’s fantastic that her most prized medal has turned up so soon after we appealed to the public for information about the break-in.

“Many more medals remain outstanding, though, along with electrical equipment taken during the burglary so our investigation continues. If anyone suspects who may be involved, or has seen any of the medals, I’d ask them to get in touch.

“They can call me via the 101 number or can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."