PETER SIMPSON was surprised when he opened up a broken picture frame in his attic and found a testimonial to a wounded soldier.

The award was made to Second Lieutenant S Monk, of the Durham Light Infantry, and is signed by King George V.

Mr Simpson bought the frame and an old print more than 30 years ago, but when the glass cracked he stored it in the loft of his home in Montalbo Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham.

He was about to throw it away when he took out the cardboard backing and discovered it was the testimonial to Lt Monk, who was invalided out of the Army on April 14, 1918.

Now he would like to trace the officer's family and hand over the certificate.

Mr Simpson, a retired warehouseman, contacted the Durham Light Infantry Museum, which checked its records and found that, at the time of his discharge, the lieutenant lived at Manor House, West Auckland - now the Manor House Hotel.

Mr Simpson has been unable to trace anyone in West Auckland who knew the Monk family.

"But I would like to find some relatives and give them the certificate," he said.

"I'm sure that if he has any family left in the area they would be proud to have it."

Anyone who has information is asked to call (01833) 638842.