A presidential chain lost for over 20 years in Accrington has been found in an attic.
The chain, which was worn by the president of the Retail Newsagents Booksellers and Stationers (RNBS) since 1955, went missing in 1990.
But it was discovered in a home on Nuttall Street by a contractor helping to clear out a house after the occupant passed away.
The gold-coloured chain was created in 1955 in memory of former Oswaldtwistle newsagent Harry Hoyle who died in 1969 and has been inscribed with the name of every former branch president.
It was found by Barry Hobson, 57. Unaware of what the chain was, he visited Accrington library to find out more before approaching the Observer to help return the chain to its rightful owner.
Mr Hobson, a former wagon driver from Accrington, said: “I was helping clear out this house about three weeks ago and I saw this box up against the wall at the back of the attic. It looked like it had been there for a while.
“I didn’t know what it was but I took the chain home and put it in some soapy water to clean it.
“Then I went to the library to find out some more information about the chain and Mr Hoyle and then contacted the Observer to see if they could help return it.
“It looks like it’s been missing for a while and I’m happy that the mystery over the chain has been solved and that it’s been returned.”
Jamal Kazi, has been Hyndburn branch president of the RNBS, now known as the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, for five years.
He said he never expected to see the chain again.
Mr Kazi, 42, who owns newsagents Union News in Oswaldtwistle, said: “It’s been missing for a long time, more than 20 years.
“We did not expect to find it ever again and when I got an e-mail the other day saying it had been found I was delighted.
“Every branch president has got their own chain but mine has been missing. I am very glad that I now have my chain back.
“Every branch member in Accrington is so happy at the news.
“I want to thank Barry Hobson for finding this chain and also for the Accrington Observer in helping return it to the NRFN.”
