Telford riddle of first day cover

But it does not date from 1968, when the new town of Telford was born, but from the following year, being franked in Telford at 2.45am on May 12, 1969.

"The only thing I know about it is that a lad named Nigel Wood worked for the development corporation or at the council offices. I think he was a draughtsman or something like that.

"He was somebody I used to know from Bridgnorth when I lived there, and he gave me and a few others one of these. But if Telford dates from 50 years ago, why is it dated 1969 and not 1968?" said Les.

The envelope bears an image of Thomas Telford and the words "Change of Name," "First Day Cover," "Thomas Telford, The Father of Civil Engineering 1757-1834," as well as the Telford logo used at the time by Telford Development Corporation.

"Whether this was a national thing, I don't know. You collect them, like people collect stamps. It's all to do with stamp collecting. People buy first day covers – you can get them for all sorts of things."

Les has no idea why the first day cover was produced in the first place. He lost touch with Nigel, who he thinks lived at Wellmeadow in Bridgnorth, many years ago, and has kept the first day cover ever since.

"With it being Telford's 50th birthday, I thought it may be of interest."

The first day cover has what looks to be a standard 4d postage stamp. The franking date of May 12 does not appear to have any significance in the early life of Telford new town – unless perhaps it was the first day that the Telford franking stamp was adopted – or in the life of Thomas Telford himself.

Telford was created in 1968 when it was announced that the existing Dawley New Town – which was designated in 1963 – was to be greatly expanded, roping in places like Wellington and Oakengates.

It was named Telford after the Scottish civil engineer.