Fairytale ending for Pinocchio led astray

Clara Coleman and her sister set out bin bags and boxes in their shed for Citizens Advice to collect.

However volunteers accidentally picked up a Pinocchio ornament along with it.

‘My parents and my sister went to an auction in the UK when she saw it and really wanted it,’ said Miss Coleman.

‘It was quite dear, and Dad varnished and dolled him up. It’s so special to her.’

The two sisters had to clear out the family home, as it was too difficult to keep hold of, after both of their parents died eight years apart.

‘We were really upset, but don’t blame anybody because these things happen.

‘I’m really pleased that they have managed to locate the buyer who has agreed to give it back to us.’

She said that since they had to give up the family home, the items they kept meant more than ever before.

‘We were expecting the worst but we’re very happy that he’s been found. We really do treasure these items now that our parents are gone,’ she said.

Shop manager Nicky Bellis said that the buyer had also bought some furniture at the same time, so she was able to call and ask for the return.

‘She’s going to bring it back to the shop today so we can reunite Pinocchio.

‘I’m so glad we were able to sort it out. It was a bit of investigating on my part,’ she said.