A WOMAN who discovered a distant relative died on HMS Hood is appealing for information about him.

Carol Rogan, of Blackpool, Lancashire, believes her father's cousin, John Carr, was on the warship when it was sunk by the Bismark in 1941.

Mr Carr was a stoker second class on the ship and was married to Mary Sophia Carr. The couple lived in Shotton Colliery, in east Durham, as did his mother and father, Robert and Annie Carr.

Mrs Rogan said: "My mother, Freda Carr, mentioned years ago that her cousin went down on the Hood but it never meant anything to me. Recently, I have seen programmes about the Hood and it reminded me.

"I have found a little bit about John but I want to find out more, and possibly get a photograph of him."

The sinking of HMS Hood was one of the biggest blows to British morale during the Second World War. It was at the head of a Navy which the British believed was the most powerful in the world.

As well as getting in touch with long-lost relatives, Mrs Rogan is hoping other people can help to tell her what John Carr did in the war.

She also hopes to organise a dedication to her relative's bravery on the Hood Association's official website.

Sailors who served on the ship can have a page on the website dedicated to them and Mrs Rogan feels it is right her relative is remembered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mrs Rogan on (01253) 312453, or write to 35 Newhouse Road, Great Marton, Blackpool, Lancs.