For five years council officers in Mid-Wales searched for jewels worth £30,000 left as a bequest by a wealthy spinster, but it was under their noses all the time.

Powys council even called in the police, fearing the items had been stolen, but no trace of them was found. Then last week, during an office move, a dusty box containing the jewellery was discovered on a shelf at the back of the council’s own strongroom where no one had thought to look.

It was part of a £500,000 bequest left by Leila Williams, who died in 1994, aged 83.

Her grandfather, Rhys Edward Lewis, had made his fortune in the late 19th century with a grocery and bakery business.

Her home, Dolmynach House, which was built by her grandfather, contained a “treasure trove” of heirlooms dating back to Victorian times. The estate was left to Powys council to look after.

The jewels, contained in red leather boxes, were reported missing after they were supposedly taken to other offices for cataloguing. An inquiry by the council and Dyfed Powys Police concluded that it had been misplaced. The council launched a fresh inquiry two years ago but still could find no trace of them.

It was only while packing up for a move that a dusty box was found in the back of a walk-in safe in their own offices.

Lloyd Lewis, a member of Miss Williams’ family, said: “What an appalling mess this whole situation has been. I was gobsmacked when I heard the jewellery had been found.

“The council said it was found in their offices but over the years we were told officials had searched all their buildings. The police searched everywhere, the council searched everywhere, then they turned up as if by magic. It’s quite amazing.”

The jewellery was discovered in their strong room during an office move in the Llandrindod Wells-based council. The jewellery boxes containing 130 precious items have now been returned to the Dolmynach Community Trust which runs the mansion for visitors.

Council chairman David Price said: “We are delighted if a little surprised that the jewellery was found. It is a bit embarrassing that the jewels were with the council all along, but the most important thing is that they have been found and reunited with the remainder of the legacy.

“When they went missing there was an internal inquiry and police were called in to investigate. They concluded there was no evidence of theft and that the most likely explanation was that the items were simply misplaced.” Police confirmed the investigation into the missing jewellery was “concluded” but declined to estimate the cost of the inquiry.

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