A PRIZED medal celebrating Bury FC's elevation to the First Division five years ago has been discovered dumped in a wood.

Now, police are anxious to return the distinctive gold-coloured "gong" to its rightful owner.

The large round medal, with inscriptions on both sides, was found in a wood near George Road, Ramsbottom.

So far, attempts to trace the owner have failed. Another smaller boxed silver medal, found alongside, bears the inscription "Embassy Cormayeur February 1987." Cormayeur is an Italian ski resort.

Police say the Bury FC Second Division Championship medal 1996-97, inscribed with the name Nationwide Football League, has not been reported missing or stolen.

The medal comes complete with a green, blue and white ribbon.

Anyone who could help solve the mystery should ring the Bury police property office on (0161) 856 8022.