A WOMAN is trying to find the uncle she never knew she had.

Hazel Ibbetson has discovered that her mother, Bury-born Ellen Denton (88), has a brother she didn't even know existed.

Her mother was taken into care at the age of eight and has no memories of having any siblings.

But now Hazel has discovered the birth certificate of an uncle - one Thomas Denton.

He was born in Bury on May 8, 1921, a year after Hazel's mother.

The address of Hazel's grandparents, James and Alice Denton, is registered on both Ellen and Thomas's birth certificates as Clerke Street, Bury.

According to Thomas's birth certificate, James Denton worked in Bury as an organ grinder.

Hazel is hoping her grandfather's registered occupation might trigger some memories.

She said: "It's such an unusual occupation that it might trigger memories for someone. He must have been out in the town centre quite a lot.

"My mum is 88 now and her brother will be 87. I've not been able to find a death certificate so he may well still be alive.

"I've still not told my mum about what I've found out as I don't want to disappoint her. She has never had any family so it would be so nice for her to be able to meet the brother she never knew she had."

Anyone with information can call Hazel, who lives in West Yorkshire, on 01924 401185.