A historic find has sparked off a quest at a branch of the Royal British Legion, to find an old soldier with links to pre-war Germany.

Brighton's Royal British Legion has been intrigued by the discovery of a plaque from the Thirties, dedicated to the district leader of a similar organisation in Germany.

The wooden plaque reads: "Greetings from Brighton, England. Happy Christmas and a Bright New Year."

It continues: "To the district leader REK Barman from Herbert Simmonds, 23 Church Street, Brighton. A token of remembrance of the happy times spent in Barman of the Brighton branch legion in 1935."

Michael Harris, chair of the Brighton branch is appealing for information about the plaque.

Mr Harris said: "We are hoping someone might come forward who knows of Mr Simmonds - maybe a relative or a friend."

He believes it was not unusual for ex-serviceman's organisations to make friendly visits to Germany in the mid-Thirties.

The branch heard of the plaque three weeks ago after an English man, living in Germany, found it at a flea market.

Anyone who has information about the plaque or Herbert Simmonds can contact Michael Harris on 01273 691365.