AN author who appealed for help tracing a propeller blade from a Second World War fighter plane says he has had a tremendous response from readers of The Northern Echo.

The blade was signed by North-East war veteran George Bennions and appears in a photograph of members of the 41 Squadron, at RAF Catterick, in December 1940, which the paper published on November 5.

Mr Chester said: "Since then, I've had so many calls. I was amazed at the response. I have now got the names of all the people on the picture."

But he said the blade, thought to be from a Spitfire, had still not been found.

Anyone else able to help is asked to call Mr Chester on (01642) 272829.