A METAL detectorist has described the "emotional" crusade to reunite people with their precious mislaid items. 

Darren Wiles, 50, gives up his free time to hunt for others mislaid treasures, often at the beach or even in the sea in Dorset.

The software salesman has located engagement and wedding rings, necklaces, earrings, watches and car keys. 

Alongside their full time jobs, Darren and his two friends, Aaron Le Arn and John Rodwell, are behind the free Bournemouth Metal Detecting Service that aims to find items across the region.

Darren said: "It's a joy to help people and it can be really emotional.

"Some people end up crying with happiness over something you’ve found for them, making people so happy is the best feeling and that is why I do it."

READ MORE: Man reunites precious jewellery with nearly 100 people

Bournemouth Echo: Darren WilesDarren Wiles

He has now successfully helped 114 people in locating mislaid items, finding 124 items as some people had multiple missing items.

His best finds are those involving sentimental items.

Darren said: "A find I will always remember is a ring I found which contained the ashes of this guy’s younger brother."

The man had lost the ring containing his younger brother's ashes on Bournemouth beach.

His younger brother drowned aged 12 while trying to save two girls in a weir in Nottinghamshire in 2017. 

Bournemouth Echo: Darren searching for lost items in the seaDarren searching for lost items in the sea

He contacted Darren "on a whim" and was "shocked" when he found out the ring was successfully located.

"When I showed it to him, his face just said it all, he was so shocked and happy and I was just so pleased I was able to help him", Darren added. 

"I’ve been doing this for around ten years, but in the last four years it’s really taken off.

He said: "I’m almost out everyday, my wife and my family have been very supportive.

"I’m going to carry on doing this for as long as I can, I am enjoying it and I’m helping people so it’s a win-win."