Wife’s appeal to find lost ring

The difference was that the former - nearly four stones - were imperial pounds: the latter, pounds sterling.

On February 16 Charlotte, aged 26, who lives with her husband Paul, 31, a gardener, and their 22-month-old daughter Kitty in a cottage at Catsfield, was walking some of her 10 dogs along the promenade at South Cliff, Bexhill.

She said: “I threw a ball for the dogs to chase but then realised my diamond engagement ring, which Paul bought for me when he popped the question five-and-a-half years ago, must have flown off at the same time.

“It had become rather loose on my finger because I had lost weight, and it simply vanished. I know it cost Paul around £800, but what’s really upsetting is the sentimental value it held for me.”

Charlotte has since trekked up and down the seafront at South Cliff trying to find it, reported the loss to local police and - in desperation - even resorted to hanging notices on the prom asking other walkers to keep an eye open for it.

She said: “I’m more or less resigned to having lost it, but you never know.

“People don’t tend to look down when they’re walking, but someone may yet pick it up and wonder who it belongs to.

“If they do, I’d welcome a call on 07919 251102 or for them to hand it in at Bexhill police station.”