FOR the past 40 years Norman Harris had been intrigued by a 'death medal' which he acquired for 50 pence from an Atherton second-hand shop.

Now Norman, who lives in the Sale Lane area of Tyldesley, has asked the Journal to help him trace relatives of posthumous recipient Walter James Dyer. According to the inscription on the five inches wide bronze medal "He died for freedom and honour".

Norman says: "Similar medals were featured recently on the Antiques Roadshow television programme. I believe they date back to the First World War and were known as 'death medals'. Millions must have been struck, but I would love to know more about this one."

If you can help, contact Norman via the Journal editorial department, 44/46 Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AT.