A DARWEN artist needs help to complete an exhibition at the town's library.

Robert Lakey, of Carr Road, will feature three of Darwen's most memorable characters as part of his pencil drawing display but now needs the final piece of the jigsaw to make the event complete.

The amateur artist, who took up drawing as a hobby, is looking for information about rag and bone man,Tommy Thompson, who was otherwise known by locals as Val De Ree.

The historical details will be written by the side of his showpiece, alongside two other pictures of strong man Bill Hunt and boxer, Bill Brennan.

Mr Lakey said: "All I know about him is that he was in the Royal Marines during the war and he died a few years ago. Nobody seems to know anything. It's a bit of a mystery."

The exhibition scheduled for Darwen Library between August 18 and September 9.

If you could help Mr Lakey with his search for information phone our Darwen newsdesk on 01254 772591.