A charity shop volunteer in Prestwick was astonished when she discovered a haul of jewellery worth over £800 - on her first day helping out at the store.
Ann Jefferson had just started volunteering at the Sue Ryder charity's store on Main Street when she literally struck gold.
Ann spotted a unique and interesting wooden box, shaped like a treasure trove, which was donated by an unknown gentleman.
On opening the box, Ann discovered a handful of gold jewellery and watches tucked away beneath bags of bright costume jewellery, so it could easily have been mistaken for items that had lost their shine and value.
Unaware of the significance of the find, Ann consulted another of the shop’s volunteers, who brought it to an auction house in Ayr - where it fetched a staggering £828 at auction.
The standout items from the auction were a 4.5cm yellow metal cameo brooch that raised £240 for the charity, and a yellow metal seed pearl and gem set pendant that brought in a further £260.
The auction house, Thomson Roddick Callan in Ayr, kindly waived their commission for each lot, allowing Sue Ryder to be there for more people when it matters.
Shop manager Aaron Mullins said: "It's a fantastic donation. I have managed the shop for over four years now and it's one of the best finds we have had.
"The incredible people of Ayrshire generously support our wee shop and their donations ensure that people approaching the end of their life, or living with grief, can access the support they need.
"It's a very rewarding job and in this instance, one man's trash really was another man's treasure."
Sue Ryder is a national charity providing palliative, bereavement and neurological support for people through the most difficult times of their lives.
It provides expert care to people at the end of their lives at seven specialist centres across the UK as well as offering online bereavement counselling and advice and information on coping with dying and grief.
To find out about volunteering opportunities at the Prestwick shop, please call the shop on 01292 471222
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