A PIECE of history has been unveiled during a spruce-up of Bury town centre.

Builders renovating Derby Chambers, at the junction of The Rock and Market Street, have uncovered a shop sign which could date back to the 1800s.

It reads J. Hepworth and Son Ltd, which is now above Ronnie's On The Rock cafe/bar.

Stephen Kendal, director of Kendal Property Developments which is carrying out the work, said: "We took off the Ronnie's sign and there were another four signs behind it," he said. "I have stopped the work for a while because I didn't want to take the sign down until we know more about it."

The sign appears to be made of mahogany with gold leaf lettering.

Even Bury's oldest residents may not remember this original sign, but another clue may jog more memories.

Mr Kendal removed a hand-made glass sign in front of the original, which had been painted over. This reads: "Hepworth The Cash Clothers, since 1864" with a note on the bottom listing "Scott Sign Co, Gt Ancoats St, M/cr".

Mr Kendal said he would like to preserve this piece of the town's heritage by giving it a suitable home, perhaps a museum.

Anyone who has information about the sign, or can suggest where to donate it, can call Mr Kendal on 763 3222.