A ST ALBANS man is offering a �100 reward for the safe return of his watch, a family heirloom that was originally given to his father and dates back to the 1940s.

Bill Free, a civil engineer, said he lost his treasured watch on Tuesday, December 28, somewhere between his home in Hill Street and the Homebase store at Everard Close.

He explained: “The watch has a steel shell and black leather strap and has ‘JW Benson London’ printed on the face. The watch dates back to the late 1940s and was a 21st birthday present to my late father, given by my grandfather.”

Bill, who has reported the lost watch to police, added: “I think it must have slipped off my wrist while trying to cycle on the icy path.”

If you have found the watch, please contact Bill on 01727 869788.