Two eagle-eyed housekeepers at Edge Hill proved a couple of sparklers when they recovered a valuable piece of jewellery from inside a vacuum cleaner during a busy graduation week.

Brenda Wilkinson and Marion Perry ripped open the dust bag of their Henry after hearing how a parent had lost her engagement ring during a graduation ceremony.

After delving through the dust and dirt they found the large, sparkly, flower-shaped diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds and returned it to the grateful owner.

Brenda, who has worked at the university for eight years, said: “We heard that one of the graduate’s parents had been clapping during the ceremony and had watched her diamond setting come flying out of her engagement ring.

“She watched it roll down the seating rows in front but couldn’t find it after the ceremony. She was absolutely devastated as she’s been married for over 40 years.”

Marion, who has also worked alongside Brenda for eight years, added: “We were halfway through vacuuming the hall when we heard what had happened.

“We ripped open the bag and through all the dirt and dust we could see it sparkling. It was beautiful and we spotted it straight away.

“Apparently the woman was thrilled to get it back and was overcome with emotion. I’m just so glad we could help.”

The hard-working duo who clean buildings across campus, including accommodation halls, are no strangers to finding treasured possessions.

Marion added: “We tend to find wallets, mobile phones, cameras and keys across campus and return them to their owners but this is the first time we’ve had a mission to find something so valuable and precious.”

Earlier this month the pair received an ‘Above and Beyond’ student award after being nominated by residents of The Hollies who praised their happy, friendly and conscientious nature.

Students also praised the care and interest they took in their studies and research and how they always offered a shoulder to cry on if needed.