A TINY diary found in Arnhem, near to the scene of the biggest airborne operation in history, has revealed a mysterious North-East link.

Dutch-born Harry Koudenburg contacted The Northern Echo after a futile 20-year search to discover the owner of a 1942 diary he found while out walking with his wife.

The only clues to the diary's owner are an unreadable, scribbled name and the address 61, Woodland Road, Darlington.

Despite investigations by The Northern Echo, the whereabouts of the diary's owner still remains a mystery - although it is believed he was called John Fenwick.

Mr Koudenburg said: "That day in March 1973, my wife and I took a short walk in Arnhem on some heathland near to a sheep pen.

"It was the place where the 1st Airborne Division was dropped on September 18, 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden.

"I saw something on the ground and I kicked it, thinking it was a matchbox but it was actually this tiny diary.

"I have been to the Dutch war cemetery and war museum and have tried to surf the Internet for information but have found nothing.

"I want to know if the diary's owner was a soldier and what he did during the war."

It is not known if John Fenwick was one of the men who fought at Arnhem and there is too little information about him for the Armed Forces organisations to check their records.

The current residents of 61 Woodland Road know nothing of its history and were unable to help solve the 60-year-old mystery.

Mr Koudenburg said: "I would be very interested to hear from anyone who recognises this man's name and who might have a connection with the diary.

"It has been a mystery for so long and I am keen to find out as much as I can."

Anyone who thinks they knew John Fenwick, or his family who lived in Woodland Road before the war, or have any more information about the diary is asked to contact Hayley Gyllenspetz at The Northern Echo on (01325) 505071.