The money found in the safe ( Image: Magnetic G / SWNS)
The money found in the safe ( Image: Magnetic G / SWNS)

teenage magnet fisher pulled a safe containing thousands of dollars from a river and returned the money to its rightful owner who had it stolen 22 years ago.

George Tindale, 15, had been scouring the River Witham in Grantham, Lincs with his dad Kevin, 52, when he made the incredible discovery three weeks ago.

The father and son recovered the old safe and were left stunned when among the mud and slime was a pouch containing 2,500 Australian dollars (around £1,400).

Unbeknown to the pair, the safe had been stolen from businessman Rob Everett back in 2000 during a burglary at his office.

Also inside was a shotgun certificate and bank cards which expired in 2004, giving George and Kev enough information to track down the rightful owner.

After contacting Rob to explain the amazing find, the kindhearted family visited him at his business in Grantham to return the stolen property last weekend.

George, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, said: “I mean it was amazing really.

“We pulled this *safe* out and it had all that money in.

“We counted it roughly on the bank and I think we totalled it about two and a half grand and we were just shocked. Rob was great.

“If I ever want work experience when I leave school, he said the offer is always open.”