A dedicated follower of fashion is trying to piece together designer Ben Sherman's early life at the cloth-cutting edge.

Sherman was a style icon of the 20th Century. His clothes remain hugely popular on the High Street, boasting a worldwide following.

Now historian Angela Charles is putting together an exhibition for next year of Sherman's achievements, who began his career in Brighton during the Fifties.

When the mods arrived on the scene, they adopted Sherman's snappy styles, followed by the skinheads a decade or so later. More recent converts include members of the bands Blur and Oasis.

Ms Charles, the brainchild behind the popular Renegade Fashion feature at Brighton Museum, said: "Ben Sherman began making shirts in a small factory in Brighton employing only ten people."

She added there were many gaps in the background of Sherman, real name Arthur Sugarman, that needed filling and hoped readers would be able to help her.

She is trying to find out more about his parents and the precise location of his first base. Ms Charles is also keen to acquire Ben Sherman shirts.

She said: "I would like photographs of people in Ben Shermans, interviews with people who remember the shop and people who worked in the factory.

Call Angela on 01460 76675.