A RENEWED effort is being made to solve a mystery that has baffled experts for more than a decade.

On May 25, 1997, the bones of a well-dressed man were discovered by a gamekeeper on Thorny Grange Moor, Colsterdale, near Masham, North Yorkshire.

Despite nationwide inquiries, police did not identify the man and, in 2003, an inquest recorded an open verdict.

The remains were cremated in a ceremony at Harrogate Crematorium, but the police file remains open.

Some material was kept to allow for DNA tests.

With the 11th anniversary of the discovery approaching, a new effort to put a name to the man has been launched by the charity Missing People.

The head of the charity's identification department, Teri Blythe, said: "In most cases, an unidentified person is also a missing person, so it is likely that this man will have family and friends out there who do not know his fate.

"Although it has been such a long time since this man was discovered and he has since been cremated, we are still very hopeful that this appeal will bring some vital clues, so that we may finally identify this body and put an end to his family's distress."

Because of items found with the remains, it is believed the man may have died between five and 25 years before he was found.

He was probably more than 60, about 5ft 8in, and of medium build.

He is thought to have been suffering from mild arthritis and may have previously fractured his left collar bone and two ribs.

He was found wearing a dark grey suit, a mustard-coloured jersey, a hand-knitted red V-neck jumper, a white shirt with thin, dark stripes, and a maroon tie.

A police spokesman said: "Despite the very best efforts of us and around 20 other agencies, the identity of the man has never been established and the death remains unexplained.

"However, the case will always remain on file and is open to any new information that may come forward."

Anyone with information can call charity's confidential 24- hour hotline on Freefone 0500- 700-700 or email identification@ missingpeople.org.uk