A WARTIME mystery is puzzling pupils and staff at a Stockton school.

Grangefield school is seeking information about someone named in an old Bible which was found during a summer holiday clear-out.

The school wants to know if the name John Douglas Smith rings any bells and anyone who recognises the name or who knows the family is urged to get in touch.

Spokesman Mrs Sandra Harper said the Bible was found during maintenance work in an attic.

It is dated November 1, 1955, and had been given to the school in memory of a former pupil who died in 1943 at the age of 24.

The Bible now has pride of place in a display cabinet below the war memorial plaque in the school hall.

The full inscription reads: "Presented to Grangefield Grammar School for Girls. In memory of a former pupil of Stockton Secondary School for Boys, Nelson Terrace, John Douglas Smith, Corporal Wireless Operator - Royal Corps of Signals 1939-1943. Died in Thailand, 3 September 1943 aged 24 years."

"Initial inquiries have drawn a blank but we would love to know a little more," said Mrs Harper.

Any information can be sent to Mrs Harper at Grangefield School, Oxbridge Avenue, Stockton, TS18 4LH