A PIECE of history from the 18th century has been returned to Neilston.

A Communion token which dates back to 1785 will soon take pride of place at the village’s parish church after an eagle-eyed resident clocked the item up for sale online.

Nostalgia enthusiast Matt Drennan, who is secretary of the Neilston War Memorial Association, felt the opportunity was too good to turn down and immediately made a bid when he saw the token going for just £15 on ebay.

Communion tokens were issued to members of reformed churches in the 18th and 19th centuries to allow them to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

While the idea originated in Geneva, Switzerland, more than 5,000 different makes have been recorded in Scotland alone.

Communion tokens were also common in the likes of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Used in Presbyterian churches around the world, including in Corfu, Florence and Bombay, they could also be found in many Scottish Episcopal churches.

Neilston man Matt said: “I purchased this Communion token dated 1785 and it’s from the Parish of Neilston.

“Apparently they gave them out before Communion cards and you had to go so many times to earn one.

“The seller was selling World War I stuff and I noticed they had lots of these tokens for sale from all over Scotland. The Neilston one was the oldest of them.

“I have been down at the manse trying to give the token to the Minster Fiona Maxwell but I can’t get her in!

“It’s a real piece of history. I just thought something that old should return home.”