THE story of a First World War soldier whose name is commemorated on a churchyard gravestone is being sought by villagers from the tiny Severnside village of Awre.

Private Frank Huins's gravestone is right outside the church in the village graveyard. It simply reads that he was killed in 1916 aged 33.

Mark Awre, whose family took the name of the village going back to the 16th Century, says: "He was buried in France so his family must have paid to have the stone put up in Awre. Now the stone is falling apart and we're replacing it with a new stone, with identical wording, in Welsh slate which should last forever, or at least 200 years."

"We'd love to hear from anyone in the Forest area who might know about Frank Huin, relatives, whatever. The family must have been here during the War but seem to have vanished after that. There are no Huin's in the village now and the two oldest people left in the village can't remember them at all.

"We'd like to trace any kind of family members who might be left because we have so little information about him or them. And don't worry, we're not after any contribution for the new stone because that's being paid for by donations from villagers."

If you know anything about Private Frank Huin get in touch with Mark on 01594 510263.

•For such a tiny village the First World War took a heavy toll on Awre. Twenty five young men went out and nearly half (12) were killed. Only one is buried in the churchyard. In comparison the Second World War claimed only one Awre life, the clandestine operation in Oman, a second.