A TRANSATLANTIC search is on for long lost relatives, thought to have links with Blackburn.

Sheila Duckworth Van Weert recently contacted the Blackburn branch of the Royal British Legion in the hope that someone might be able to trace the Duckworth family tree through a First World War soldier.

She contacted the Legion for the first time from her home in Canada in a bid to find relatives of her grandfather's brother, Frank Duckworth. But current members of the Legion are baffled.

Frank was thought to be the chairman of the Blackburn Branch of the DCM League in the 1940s or 50s.

Chairman of the Legion Brian Barnes said: "We have no idea who she is but would obviously love to help.

"She seems to think the Legion may know him but we are still clueless as to how she found out about us or the link with the DCM."

Born and bred in Witton, Frank is thought to have worked with William Dickinson and Sons Ltd. He also served with the Fourth Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, at Le Catelet in October, 1918.

His last known address was Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, with wife Elsie and daughter Patricia. He is thought to have eight brothers and two sisters.

Anyone with more information should contact Mr Ronnie Drugan, The British Legion, 37 Mowbray Street, Blackburn, BB2 3E4.

Alternatively Sheila Duckworth Van Weert, 108 Locust Street, St Thomas, Ontario, Canada, N5R 2C5.