The ring was discovered four inches under the sand by metal detector enthusiast, Mick Green, from Essex, who was desperate to see it returned to its rightful owner.

We ran a story about Mr Green's discovery and Mr Maiden (41) was able to get in contact and detail the inscription inside the ring – ironically reading "forever yours" – and was reunited with his ring just days off his first wedding anniversary.

Mr Maiden's wife Victoria (22) said: "We went back to the beach a few times to see if we could find it, but thought it was gone forever. Nick was absolutely gutted.

"Then when we got it back again we were both so happy."

It was the cleaner at photo and telecoms firm Swains, Hunstanton, where Mr and Mrs Maiden, who live in Northgate in the town, both work who spotted the Lynn News article and told the pair the ring had been found.

It was discovered on the beach in front of the fairground close to where Nick lost it.

Mr Green, who wanted no reward for his discovery, said: "I got more joy from getting it back to them than finding it in the first place!"