Features

Evocative images of pre-war Wirral are shown in a recently discovered black and white cine film.

The film shows scenes from the life of a young family living in Wallasey in the 1930s.

It was originally found in the 1980s when two builders came across it while working on a house in Wirral.

The film was passed to Paul Abernathy the owner of a local video shop and after he copied the footage on to tape it again lay idle for many years until Mr Abernathy died and his brother-in-law, Ian Cotgrave rediscovered the tape amongst his belongings.

The film shows a young family

The footage shows several Wirral landmarks, many long gone, including an outside swimming pool, the Derby Pool.

Other shots show the River Mersey from a ferry, the family on a day trip in motor cars, playing on the beach and on local streets.

Also shown is the area around the Red Noses sandstone outcrops at New Brighton both before and during redevelopment.

Central to the footage are two young girls, who are seen growing up over several years.

Ian Cotgrave is now trying to trace the family and is appealing for anyone who recognises them to get in touch.

One clue to the families identity is in a caption on the film before the shots of a woman on the beach which reads "Ruby Riley".