Can you solve mystery of elegant gathering?

The hunt is on for anyone with information about a century-old photograph believed to have links to Wellington that has been discovered behind an antique map of Shropshire.

David Fry, 64, from Lyth Bank near Shrewsbury, discovered the old picture of an elegant group of about 35 people while attempting to reframe a map of the county he had bought at auction about two years ago.

He discovered the well-kept sepia photograph of smartly-dressed men, women and children behind his copy of a 1695 Robert Modern map of Shropshire, which he was reframing.

Mr Fry said he is now keen to track down anyone who may be able to cast some light on the people in the picture and what was going on. He has urged people who may know more about the photograph to get in touch.

Mr Fry said it was taken in either the late 19th century or early part of the 1900s.

"He added that an inscription on the photograph which reads Cooper-Edmonds of Wellington in Salop may provide some clues to where it was taken, as well as the building in the background of the photo which has the words C.I.C written on it.

Mr Fry said the map was likely to be have been kept in an atlas before being taken out as the atlas's condition deteriorated over the years. But many other questions about the mystery picture remain unanswered.

"Probably in the late 1800s or the early part of the 1900s, the map was framed and the print was used to reinforce it," he said.

"In doing so, it has preserved it and left it unusally crisp and clear."

Mr Fry said he hoped the clear nature of the picture means that any descendants of the people who feature in it may be able to recognise their ancestors.

It features a group of people in Victorian dress in front of what looks like some sort of community building. Anyone with any information is asked to email Mr Fry via his website which can be found by visiting www.thevictoriangallery.co.uk