AN author is appealing for help in finding a propeller blade from a fighter plane which was signed by a North-East war hero.

Ken Chester says the location of the blade, which appears in a photograph of members of the 41 Squadron at RAF Catterick in 1940, is a mystery.

He was shown the picture by Squadron Ldr George Bennions, now 90, who flew Spitfires during the Second World War and won the Distinguished Flying Cross, while researching a book.

"It's a normal thing to do if one of the pilots had shot a plane down," said Mr Chester. "They would keep the blade as a piece of memorabilia and sign it."

It may be from a German fighter plane or a Spitfire but no one had any idea what happened to it. "It would be wonderful to find out and to see if it could be returned to the squadron," he said.

Sqn Ldr Bennion's daughter Shirley Wilson, of Catterick Village, said: "It could be very interesting to know where it went - no one has a clue."

Anyone who has any information is asked to call Mr Chester on (01642) 272829.