ORGANISERS of the Pershore Plum Festival are appealing to Journal readers for help finding a treasured nameplate that has seemingly vanished into thin air.

The plate belonged to the original 1899 ‘Pershore Plum’ Bulldog class steam locomotive that used to haul local fruit and vegetables to and from the town in the early 20th century.

Starting life in Swindon before relocating to Worcester in 1927, the locomotive became extremely popular with train spotters.

The train has other historic connections with Pershore, having been used to transport horses, spectators and produce to race days in the town.

After the engine was taken out of service the nameplate was bought by an enthusiast and was proudly displayed for many years outside his house near to the Three Counties Showground, in Malvern.

The nameplate was reportedly last seen in Ledbury and Plum Festival organisers are desperate to track it down as this year's celebrations draw near.

Angela Tidmarsh, Plum Festival organiser and Wychavon tourist officer, said: “Every year the Plum Festival features memorabilia from over the centuries that reflects Pershore's plum heritage and we'd love to include the name plate."

The Pershore Plum Festival is now in its 20th year and organisers say this year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever.

The month long festival is already underway, with various events taking place in the lead-up to the main three-day celebrations over the bank holiday weekend.

The showpiece event, the Plum Fayre Day on bank holiday Monday, August 29, is expected to attract more than 20,000 people to the town to enjoy a host of activities and attractions, including the colourful carnival procession.

If you can help track down the missing Pershore Plum nameplate, email angela.tidmarsh@wychavon.gov.uk.

For more information about the carnival visit pershoreplumfestival.org.uk.