IT'S a precious heirloom which thanks to a strange twist of fate has finally found its way back to its rightful owner after 40 years.

But four decades ago, this silver watch decorated with jewels was just being passed from friend to friend for just a short time so that it could be mended.

Owner Billy Raynor received it in 1939 for five years' perfect attendance at Fleur-de-Lys school.

Forty years ago, he gave it temporarily to his close friend, war hero Raymond John Holder, to be repaired.

But Mr Raynor, a newsagent in the village, died soon after and former commando Mr Holder, who moved with his family to Newbridge, lost touch with his friend's family. He did not know how to return the watch - so kept hold of it for all those years.

After being diagnosed with cancer, he transferred to a doctor's surgery in Cefn Fforest and community nursing sister Annette Harris was sent out to care for him.

As the two talked, they realised that Annette was Billy Raynor's daughter. And, as if fate had intervened, he was able to give the watch back to her before his death last week at the age of 79. The widower died after a battle with lung cancer and a failing liver.

Mr Holder's son Alan, 40, from Fields Park Road, Newbridge, said: "It was as if it was meant to be, really.

"My father had recently transferred from a doctors' surgery in Newbridge to one in Cefn Fforest which Annette covers.

"When Annette came to the house and I told my father she was Billy's daughter, he remembered the watch immediately and gave it back to her.

"It really perked him up in his last few days. Annette was over the moon about it, she couldn't believe it."

A delighted Mrs Harris, 52, from Blackwood, said: "We are very pleased and grateful to Mr Holder and his family for returning it to us.

"It was strange to have it back in my hands after all these years and it solved a mystery because we didn't know what had happened to it."

Ironically, the watch still need repairing - something Mrs Harris is now set to do.

PICTURED: Alan Holder hands back the watch to Annette Harris, daughter of its original owner, Billy Raynor.