The search to identify a man found dead in woodlands continues - 40 years since the discovery of his body.

On August 30, 1981, a family walking on the edge of a bird sanctuary between Middlesbrough and Hartlepool discovered the body of a man hanging from a tree.

However, despite extensive investigations, and significant press coverage in the four decades since, the man’s identity has never been confirmed and search to identify him continues after four decades.

Now, volunteer investigators with Locate International, a charity that looks into cold cases of missing and unidentified people, are launching a new public appeal for information, and releasing a new living depiction of how the man may have looked.

Artist's impression of 'Cleveland Man' who was found dead at a nature reserve near BillinghamArtist's impression of 'Cleveland Man' who was found dead at a nature reserve near Billingham (Image: Handout)

The man was found in a copse next to the A178 Graythorp to Seal Sands Road, near Billingham. He was believed to have died within the previous 24 hours and his death certificate shows an open verdict was recorded.

While the police did not suspect third party involvement, it could not be ruled out.

‘Cleveland Man’, as he is known, is described as about 21 to 25 years old; approximately 5ft 6ins tall; of slim build and apparent northern European origin; and he had blue/grey eyes, “mousey” brown/blonde collar length hair, and facial stubble.

He had a few scars which may sound familiar to someone who knew him: on the right side of his pelvis, he had a two-inch surgery scar and on the outside of his left kneecap, a half-inch scar.

A nature reserve near BillinghamA nature reserve near Billingham (Image: Google)

Inside at least one of his shoes, the name ‘Sayer’ was written in biro according to the coroner's report, although another similar spelling cannot be discounted. He was also found to be carrying a French lighter, the make of which is believed to have been common at the time.

Mark Greenhalgh, Locate International’s CEO, said: “Even after all this time, it’s not too late to solve this case and reunite him with his identity. No detail is too small and can help send our investigation in a new direction or confirm something we already knew.

“In 40 years, a lot can change: from allegiances to relationships. But if you are unsure about contacting us, you can do so anonymously if you wish.”

If you have any information, contact Locate International by emailing appeals@locate.international, by calling 0300 102 1011 (in the UK) or by visiting https://locate.international/unidentified-people/cleveland-man