Many of us may have already thrown away our Valentine's Day cards, but the rightful owner of a love letter kept for 68 years is being traced this week.

Police are attempting to find the owner of the letter posted from Borehamwood to Aldershot on May 7, 1940.

The well preserved note was found in November, in a bag believed to have been dumped by a burglar in the back garden of an empty property in Potters Bar.

Sent from a woman called 'Monica' to her fiancee 'Bill', it expresses her delight at the man's marriage proposal to her in Kew Gardens.

She writes: "My Darling Bill. It is only a few hours ago since I left you but I shall not feel satisfied until I have written to tell you what a marvellous day it has been.

"Now my sweet, I am going to close one of the happiest days of my life and only hope it has been the same for you. Good night dearest, your loving Monica."

advertisementHertfordshire Constabulary property officer Brian Foran retrieved the bag and approached the Borehamwood & Elstree Times in an attempt to trace the letter's owner.

He said: "It's such a lovely letter and it must have such sentimental value for someone. I truly hope we can trace relatives of Bill and Monica so the letter gets back to its rightful home."

Addressed to Gunner WJ Miller, the letter was sent to 153/51st AA Regiment at Aldershot Barracks in Hampshire.

It was kept in a small dark blue leather portfolio with the initials WFM stamped on the front and contained a photograph of a woman who is believed to be Monica.

It is thought she may have lived in Eldon Avenue, Borehamwood.

Do you recognise the names mentioned in the letter or the woman in the photograph? If you can help, contact the Borehamwood & Elstree Times on 020 8953 3391.