POLICE who raided a house in Farnworth are trying to reunite dozens of old documents with their owner.

Officers believe the bags of photographs from the First World War along with sports programmes and cards were stolen in Bolton but they have been unable to trace who they belong to.

Among the haul is a parchment indenture document from the 1780s referring to Brandlesholme Old Hall in Bury, but the current occupant of the house says it does not belong to him.

Most of the programmes relate to rugby and football matches from the 1950s but there are several documents referring to a Rev K Prosser and there is a wedding order of service from 1951 naming Sheila Hughes and James Heath.

"They are not valuable. They are only of sentimental value to the original owner," said PC Paul Naylor, who has the task of trying to find the right home for the haul.

"We have got so much we don't know where to start."

Anyone who can help can contact PC Naylor or PC Debbie Davidson at Middle Hulton police station on 0161 856 5680.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.