A METHODIST minister is seeking information about the family of a man presented with a trowel used at a church stone-laying ceremony 139 years ago.

The trowel was sent to the Rev Keith Phipps, of Northallerton Methodist Church, by John Luce, of Jersey, who discovered it while he was sorting his late mother's effects. It is inscribed with the name of Thomas Sadler, of Bedale, and the year 1864.

Over the last eight years, the church has been completely refurbished in three phases at a total cost of £620,000.

Mr Phipps said: ''The building development was completed this year and we had just been presented with the final bill when, out of the blue, came the trowel.

''Mr Luce's mother apparently had some connection with Whitby, but he does not know what the connection was between Whitby and Northallerton. I would also like to find out more about Thomas Sadler, who could have been a generous benefactor.

"Are there any of his relatives in the area and are there any other ceremonial trowels from the church?''

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Phipps on 01609 773620 or any church member.

The trowel has now taken pride of place with a loving cup in a display cabinet made by David Chambers. The cup, from the old South End Methodist chapel in Northallerton, was given to Mr Phipps by Maxwells, the local firm which had been using the building for storage.