A PENSIONER is appealing for the descents of a Victorian family to come forward in an attempt to reunite them with their family bible.

Des Graves, 79, of Bishop Auckland, was given the artefact more than ten years ago but now wants to find out if there are any living relatives of its original owners who wish to reclaim it.

The huge book belonged to Luke and his wife, Mary Rigby, of Escomb, County Durham.

It dates back to 1827 when Mr Rigby was born and includes some of the births, deaths and marriage dates of his wife and eleven children.

Mr Rigby died in 1899 but Mr Graves believes that although at least three of his children, Isabella (April 19 – April 29, 1854), Mary Ann (March 2 – March 5, 1855) and Diana (born and died on June 16, 1863), died as babies, there might still be descendants from his other children: Richard, Thomas, Elizabeth, Luke, James, John Alan, William and Lucy.

He believes the family originally lived in Sunderland before moving to Escomb around 1860.

“I have had it quite a number of years because I was interested in the history of Escomb,” he said.

“Now I’m getting to the stage where I want to pass it on – I want a home for it.”

If you think you might be a relative of the Rigby family call Mr Graves on 01388 205539.