A SEARCH for a car repair manual uncovered a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the First World War.

Amber Bryan-Smith, six, went to look for the book in the bureau at her home in Carrville, Durham.

But the drawers would not open and had to be lifted out.

And when they were, Amber's mother Jill discovered a card printed to mark the death of Durham Light Infantry Corporal Arthur Barnes, in 1916.

"It is about half the size of a birthday card and says in memoriam on the front,'' said Mrs Bryan-Smith.

"Inside there is a picture of him and a lovely poem.''

The 32-year-old soldier, whose parents were Henry and Frances Barnes, of 144 Gilesgate, Durham, died of his wounds, presumably in France, on July 29, 1916.

Mrs Bryan-Smith says the bureau has been in her family for many years and that the card has been in there all this time.

She has asked relatives about the card and believes the dead man, or his family, could have been friends of her family.

She plans to contact the dli, the museum in Durham devoted to the regiment, to see if it can shed any light about the dead soldier or his family.

"It would be nice for his family to have the card if they wanted it,'' she said.

"I have had a look in the phone book but I can't find anyone called Barnes living in Gilesgate.''

If anyone thinks Arthur Barnes might be a relative they can contact the Bryan-Smiths on 0191-384 4379.