I SPOTTED him, looking rather the worse for wear, on a dealer's stall at the Saturday bric-a-brac sale on Tynemouth Station early in August.

His frame long gone, years spent in an attic or storeroom had left him with numerous chips and scratches, plus two deep gouges.

Even so, his medal ribbons told some of his story: Military Cross and bar (that's two MCs!) along with the Africa Star, Italy Star and France and German Star. His Africa Star has the eight clasp which shows he served with the Eighth Army, the famous Desert Rats. Also there is the 1939-45 Star.

I was born just before the Second World War (my father and six uncles all served in it) and as I'm an ex-national serviceman, there was no way I could leave this young hero to suffer any further indignity. I bought him, dug out my old paint box, and have spent the last few weeks restoring him.

When the paint dries he'll be getting a new frame.

However, it would be nice to put a name to him. There are a few clues. The portrait was probably done in 1946. The war is over - that's why he has the 1939-45 Star.

He hasn't yet been issued with the other two medals he's entitled to, the War Medal and the Defence Medal.

The artist is called Van Meer. His address is on the back of the canvas: 104 Willmoor Street, Thornton Watlass, which lies between Bedale and Masham.

I don't know what regiment the captain served in. Did he live in North Yorkshire or was he stationed there? Can anyone help?

Bob Douglas, Glendue, St Helens Street, Corbridge NE45 5BE.