IT’S a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, but one man is determined to scour the whole of Clayton Playing Fields to find his missing wedding ring.

Richard Sarsfield has a special emotional attachment to the gold band as it is made from his parents’ melted-down wedding rings.

The ring has particularly special significance as Richard’s mother died of cancer when he was just 18 years old.

"I got married to Lyndsey on July 28 this year and my dad gave me the ring the night before," he explained. "This was a massive thing for me more because of my mum. I really feel as if I’ve lost another part of my mum. It was like having her by my side again."

The 40-year-old, who lives in Alkrington, was at the playing fields with his five-year-old son Charlie on September 23, between 6pm and 7pm, when he noticed the ring was missing.

"It was his first football practice and he kept running over for hugs. I’d pick him up but with it being cold I think it fell off my finger. When the training was finished I walked to the car park and realised it was gone. I searched for ages then it got dark and we had to give up the search. The next couple of mornings we went down to look again."

His wife Lyndsey added: "We spent an hour and a half searching the field for the ring with my two sons but to no avail."

In desperation Richard has even bought a metal detector to help his search but still no luck.

"I’m hoping someone has picked it up and have the decency to hand it in’" he added.

Anyone who has seen or picked up the ring can contact Richard on 07780776710 or at richardsarsfield@btinternet.com