MEDALS stolen when a York war veteran's home was burgled have been recovered by police.

But so far a solid gold watch belonging to Joe Munday's father, and electrical equipment taken in the raid have not been found.

Police have arrested three people in connection with the incident, who are currently on bail.

Mr Munday, a 73-year-old widower from Brailsford Crescent who is local secretary of the Parachute Regimental Association and organiser of York's Poppy Appeal, was angry when burglars ransacked his home, and stole his 1939-45 War Medal, a Defence Medal, and a 1945-48 Palestine Medal.

Also taken were a number of cameras, lenses and other photographic accessories, insulin and hypodermic needles he uses for a diabetes condition, and a television, video and CD player.

Mr Munday was pleased that the medals had been found, saying: "I think they are slightly damaged, but they can always be remounted as long as the medals are safe."

But of the other items only one of three watches taken and a few lenses had been found, and he doubted he would see them again.

On the other hand Mr Munday said he had received support from his local residents' association, including the loan of a television, and offers of burglar alarms from them and Victim Support.

"I have got nothing to complain about, people are responding very well," he said.

Detective Inspector Phil Metcalfe of York Police said the arrests and the recovery of the medals was due to the work of uniformed officers in the north of the city's burglary squad, and help from the public.