THREE postcards postmarked from 1912, 1918 and 1941 addressed to properties which no longer exist in Redditch appeared at the town's Royal Mail delivery office last week.

The discovery has prompted an appeal to find the rightful owners to the postcards - which are in pristine condition, despite their age.

All three cards have been previously postmarked over the original stamps, two King Edwards and one King George, indicating they were once processed and delivered to the addressees.

Delivery manager Nicky Tyler has contacted Redditch Council to find out when the properties - Enfield Club, Crabbs Cross and 464 Townsend Buildings, Crabbs Cross - were demolished.

The two earlier cards are both for Miss Jennie Hill at two different versions of her address - Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, near Redditch from Lucy, and Near Enfield Club, Crabbs Cross, near Redditch from Edith.

The third was for Miss Flo Hill at 463 Townsend Buildings, Crabbs Cross, near Redditch, from Gladys.

Ms Tyler said: "It's obvious these postcards have been re-introduced into the Royal Mail postal network, probably as all or part of a package of items being sent to or from a collector or a member of the Hill family."

People are also being urged to take care when posting such items and to ensure they are put in a padded envelope.

Ms Tyler added: "These postcards may have huge sentimental value to the person who posted them, so we hope Redditch Advertiser readers can help us play detective and find the owner."