Mr Peacock sorted through half a tonne of glass to find the ring

An engagement ring which was lost after falling into a bottle bank has been returned to its owner by a council worker in Sussex.

Steve Peacock, an HGV driver for Chichester District Council, stepped in after the loss was reported.

Mr Peacock sorted through about half a tonne of glass to find the ring, using a colander to sift the broken shards.

The ring's owner said Mr Peacock was "absolutely marvellous" and had restored her "faith in human nature".

Mr Peacock said: "The lady's face was a picture, I'll never forget it.

"I was thrilled for her, relieved that I hadn't missed the ring, and glad that the search had such a happy ending," he added.

A spokesman for Chichester District Council said the council was very proud of Mr Peacock's efforts and said he had gone "beyond the call of duty", particularly because his job didn't involve dealing with the bottle banks.

"His willingness to keep on trying exemplified true customer care," he added.