WHEN something appears impossible to find it is often described as “looking for a needle in a haystack”.

Well, that is how it must have seemed for Malcolm Bateup after he lost his prized wedding ring while swimming off the beach at Shoreham.

The chances of finding it must have seemed like a million to one shot but once again community spirit came to the fore.

Once news of Malcolm’s plight was posted on a local Facebook group, volunteers soon joined what seemed to be an impossible task, including a seven-year-old girl with a toy metal detector.

After three days Malcolm had understandably virtually given up hope, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and so it proved.

Having got married with “his and hers” rings Malcolm admits he would have found it extremely difficult to afford a replacement for such an important symbol of his and his wife’s union. All seemed lost.

But then, against all expectations, a metal detectorist by the name of Mark Crane came up trumps by finding the ring.

His reward was an almighty hug from Malcolm and we suspect he will probably be buying him a pint or two as well.

Credit must also go to the people of Shoreham for showing such a willingness to help, it certainly reflects very positively on all of them.

Losing such an important item of jewellery can be absolutely devastating regardless of monetary value and no doubt Malcolm will ensure it is never out of his sight again.

Love may not conquer all, but it seems community spirit certainly can.