A BROMLEY woman who accidentally threw away a black shoe box containing £6,000 has had the money returned to her.

The woman, who does not want to be named, realised the box was missing yesterday evening, after she and a friend had been clearing out her cellar.

The pair made their way to Bromley's Waldo Road reuse and recycling centre early this morning.

After a four hour search, and with the help of the centre's staff, the box was found among a mound of cardboard.

The woman said: "I had almost given up looking for the money after four hours searching through cardboard, but the staff at the site were incredibly helpful and we persevered.

"I couldn't believe it when the money was still in there.

"I was so grateful to the staff, I never thought I'd see that money again."

The site is operated by Veolia Environmental Services on behalf of Bromley Council.

Veolia's contract manager in Bromley, Nic Allan, said: "We are very pleased to have been able to rescue the resident's cash and I would like to thank my staff for their diligence and sensitivity in handling and resolving what was undoubtedly a distressing situation for these ladies."

Bromley Council's executive councillor for environment Colin Smith, said: "Bromley's paper and card recycling service is something we’ve long been proud of, all the more so now, given that this particular 'paper' was recovered in time and this story had a happy ending."