IT'S easy to forget precious things when you've had a few drinks.

But at one York pub, the lost property collection is a treasure trove of unusual items, including accessories for a false hand.

Staff at The Three Cranes, in St Sampson's Square, York, have been picking up a variety of weird and wonderful items left by drinkers.

And among the property uncovered by landlady Judith Sissons over the Christmas period were workbags, slippers and, in a brown paper bag, attachments for a prosthetic hand.

Mrs Sissons said they could be vital for one needy drinker.

"It's definitely the most unusual thing we have found in the pub," she said. "There are a lot of interesting items left over Christmas but this tops the lot.

"Someone must be missing this item, but there was no name and address and no-one has inquired about it. It was quite a shock when we found it."

Anyone wanting to claim the missing items should contact Mrs Sissons on 01904 653367.

Meanwhile, refuse site workers also never fail to be amazed at what people throw out with their rubbish.

House keys, car keys and jewellery are just some of the more common items found in the skips of household waste at Yorwaste recycling centres in York and North Yorkshire.

But false legs, full-size mannequins and even a set of false breasts have been unearthed in the last few months.

Peter Kennedy, household waste recycling centre manager, said: "You would be surprised at what people throw out with their rubbish, although in most cases it is by accident.

"We often get calls from people saying they have lost their car or house keys. But in some cases it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. And just when you think you have seen everything, a set of false legs and false breasts turn up."

Updated: 11:41 Saturday, January 05, 2002