A GRANDMOTHER is making a plea to track down her younger sister, who was taken away in infancy.

More than 50 years has passed since Sylvia Gregory, 63, of Darlington, last saw sister Elizabeth Lynn.

Mrs Gregory’s 90-year-old mother, who does not want to be named, had an affair nearly 60 years ago and Elizabeth was conceived.

Her husband forgave her on the condition that they had no contact with the illegitimate child.

Mrs Gregory said: “I have always wanted a sister and it is just such a shame my mum had to give her up.

“I go to bingo and I wonder if my sister could be sitting there too without me knowing.”

Mrs Gregory was also forced to give up a baby, born out of wedlock, when she was 16. In a fairytale ending, reported by The Northern Echo last year, Mrs Gregory married the baby’s father, Dennis, 45 years after they were first together. They have also been reunited with their son, David.

She said: “My mum has asked for my help. I am wondering if it is because I have found my own son that mum is looking for Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth was brought up by an aunt on her father’s side, called Jenny, and her husband, Joe.

The couple’s surname is not known, but they lived in Thompson Street West, Darlington, with their son, Daniel.

Following her father’s death, Mrs Gregory’s mother remarried, but her stepfather knew nothing of the illegitimate daughter.

She said: “Since my stepfather’s death, mum has started talking about her lost daughter and wants to find her, maybe because soon it will be too late.”

The family were living near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, when Elizabeth was born, in Newby Wiske or By Jennifer Maxfield newsdesk@nne.co.uk North Otterington. She was born in November, in about 1950.

She had fair hair and light eyes as a child and was five when Mrs Gregory last saw her in a chance meeting in the town. Mrs Gregory would like anyone with information to get in touch with The Northern Echo.

She said: “As far as I know, she kept the name Elizabeth, but I said to my mum not to get her hopes up as she could live down south, she could have emigrated or anything.”

Anyone with information is asked to call The Northern Echo on 01325-505099.