STAFF at a charity shop are trying to track down the owner of a box of ashes which may have accidentally been donated two months ago.

After an unsuccessful search, staff at the shop in Romsey, which raises money for the children’s hospice Naomi House & Jacksplace, are now asking for the public’s help in returning the ashes to their rightful owner.

The discovery was made as staff searched through boxes of donations.

The box (pictured) is light-coloured and features a plate with the inscription “Lewis” on its lid.

Daily Echo:

On closer inspection staff found that the box contained ashes.

It is thought the item may have bee accidentally donated (possibly by a relative of the deceased) from North Baddesley (5km from Romsey) on July 23.

The person who dropped off the box is believed to have driven a new, bright green Volkswagen.

Hospice staff have spent two months trying to track down either the person who donated the item or its original owner, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Daily Echo:

Keith Wilson, Head of Marketing at Naomi House & Jacksplace, expressed his shock at the find and asked members of the public for their help in returning the item.

He said: “Clearly we have precious and valuable items donated all the time but few will have the same emotional attachment as this one.

“After overcoming their initial surprise, staff at our shop have tried their hardest to find a way of reuniting these ashes with a family member. But with nobody forthcoming, we would really appreciate the help of the community.

“There must be someone for whom these ashes mean a great deal, and we are desperate to see them returned.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the shop in their search for the owner of the box have been urged to contact the hospice via their email address (hello@naomihouse.org.uk).