A RECRUITMENT drive for new well wardens in Malvern has unearthed a previously unrecorded water feature in the town.

Malvern Civic Society has been recruiting wardens to keep a watchful eye over the area's 90-odd springs and fountains.

As part of the drive, one application was received to observe a modest fountain and basin behind the Old Drill Hall in Como Road, a feature the society knew nothing about.

The find was reported by Dr Ernest Putley, who said he and his wife had been aware of the spring for years and was surprised to find the society knew nothing about it.

"When we were talking to local historian Cora Weaver we asked if she knew about it and she said no," explained Dr Putley. "We don't know much about it. It's surprising how these things come and go, it may be that nobody's ever noticed it."

Cora Weaver said the fountain had been lost over time and probably formed part of the garden landscaping of The Myrtles - later Trumps, now Jubilee Court - in Victoria Road.

"It's quite unusual because we've been looking for ten years and thought we'd recorded every one," she said. "It's difficult to say how old it is. If it was part of The Myrtles, it could have been there since the 1860s or a little bit later."

Meanwhile, the drive to recruit well wardens continues. So far, 20 wardens have been signed up but more are needed.

"The wardens will play a vital role in protecting our springs and wells heritage for future generations," said Ms Weaver.

For more information, or if you know the history of the newly-discovered feature, call Mrs Weaver on 01684 561215.