A waste disposal firm wants to return an OBE to its rightful owner after the award was found at its Leyton depot.

Workers from Envirowaste discovered the medal among collected rubbish at the company’s yard in Argall Avenue.

Staff have been unable to locate exactly where in London the award had been dropped off and are now appealing to the public to find its owner.

EnviroWaste owner James Rubin said: “You can imagine our astonishment when we found the OBE medal.

"It is not something you often find in waste hauls seeing as it’s one of the highest accolades someone can receive.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The medal is still in its case, complete with paperwork

“We come across some weird and wonderful things on hauls but this really is something that needs to find its way home.

“We have done everything we can to help reunite the medal with its owner but haven’t been successful, so now we need the public to help us.

“If you have any information or know of anybody who’s lost an OBE in the London area please don’t hesitate to get in touch”.

The medal is in a black leather presentation box with “OBE” printed in gold on the lid. The case also contains paperwork including a “when to wear” guide.

Anyone with information on the award is asked to contact Envirowaste via email at: info@envirowaste.co.uk using the subject heading: “OBE information”.