A MAN who unearthed a medal from the First World War is appealing for help in tracing the family of the soldier it commemorates.

Paul Walmsley, 36, who lives in Essex, was going through some of his late father John Walmsley's possessions at his home in Beechwood Avenue, Clitheroe, when he came across the medal. The sterling silver wreath, of approximately 2in diameter, has the initials HH in the middle and has an inscription on the back.

It reads: "In memory of Private Harry Howarth, who fell in action during the Great War."

Mr Walmsley said: " I don't know where it came from and it is quite intriguing.

"I assume it was given to him and perhaps they were friends. He could have found it."

He said he had tried to trace Private Harry Howarth through a website for the Commonwealth War Graves, and had found there were six soldiers named Harry Howarth in the East Lancashire Regiment, whom the medal could have been in memory of.

Mr Walmsley said: "I would really like to reunite this medal with Private Howarth's family."

Anyone who can help should contact Newsdesk on 01254 298318 or Mr Walmsley on 01268 566058.