A WORKINGTON resident is appealing to readers of the Okehampton Times to help in his search for information on a family he believes has connections with the Drewsteignton area.

James Reay is researching the family history of Harriet Counter and Samuel Martin, who travelled to West Cumbria to seek work in the 1800s.

Mr Reay wants to hear from anyone who has information on a man called John Counter, born on September 4, 1831.

?His sister, Harriet Counter, was born on February 13, 1842 at Drewsteignton,? said Mr Reay.

?My great grandmother was Harriet Counter, and family legend has it that her brother emigrated to Australia. What I?m trying to do now is to trace him and see if it was true,? said Mr Reay, who believed John Counter may have eventually been appointed as town mayor in Australia.

He said he has written to several people called Counter in the West Devon area and has been using the internet to find more information, but so far, to no avail.

Anyone who may be able to help Mr Reay can e-mail him at [email protected]">[email protected] or write to 40 Seaton Park, Seaton, Workington, Cumbria CA14 1HA.