A BOLTON man who unearthed a "photographic treasure" is searching for a buyer to keep them available to the public.

Colonel C George Robinson, aged 77, of Firwood Fold, Tonge, has hundreds of prints - some more 100 years old - including shots from all over Lancashire and beyond.

A soldier from 1939-47, he has many negatives of scenes in Egypt where he saw active service. Among the more unusual snaps is one he believes to be of the first motor car.

There are a host of historic family photographs and the prints from Ireland, Switzerland, and Russia.

But in spite of the variety and historical value of the photographs, Col Robinson is having difficulty finding a buyer. He says he has been redirected from council to council across Lancashire in a bid to find a home for the photographs where they can be enjoyed by all.

"The photographs are very evocative and are priceless really. Many like them are going to America." FOR his war service Col Robinson was awarded a Siege of Tobruk Medal and is the Grand Prior of Great Britain in the Sovereign Military Order of St Stanislaus. He is one of only about 100 people to hold the highest class of the honour, another is Pope John Paul II. The chivalric order of St Stanislaus was formed 900 years ago in Poland.

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