Hull Trains' lost property: Ashes, a surfboard and a dog

THERE are some things you would expect passengers to leave on a train such as mobile phones, glasses and loose change.

But in the past few months, staff at First Hull Trains have discovered some more peculiar cargo, including an 8ft surfboard, an urn complete with ashes, false teeth, illegal cigarettes and even a dog.

Fortunately for the beleaguered dog, the company's customer services team in Hull had a phone call from a concerned commuter saying they had got off the train in Grantham, but left their pet pooch on board wandering the carriages.

Tracey Parkinson, First Hull Trains' customer services manager, said: "It's unbelievable what turns up at the end of the day, bordering on the ridiculous in some cases.

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"I can understand how someone might leave a phone on a table or not realise as some small personal item falls from a pocket, but how on earth you forget a surfboard then never claim it is beyond me.

"It can be quite fun when you see what has turned up. As much as we try to return everything we find, it doesn't always happen."

In the past 12 years, the company has made almost five million journeys, transporting hundreds of thousands of people to and from London.

And in that time a whole host of items have been left.

But rather than throw them away, after several months of storage, all unclaimed lost property is donated to Dove House Hospice in Chamberlain Road, east Hull.

Pauline Speed, of the hospice, said: "Obviously, leaving possessions on trains must be frustrating and annoying for people, but they may get some relief by knowing at least it has gone to help a good cause.

"We are grateful that Hull Trains supports us in this way.

"It goes a long way to helping us as we work to make the final weeks of people's lives as comfortable as possible."

Dove House is currently on the lookout for volunteers to help sort out such items and other donations in the warehouse and distribution centre.

The role would be to sort through the clothing, organising, grouping and arranging into trends and sizes.

Marisa Coleman, retail division manager said: "Volunteering can help you update and gain new skills in many areas.

"The hospice would also be able to provide you with an up-to-date reference for your CV."