The family of a man whose 1916 school leavers' report was found in second-hand furniture have spoken of their surprise after it turned up in York.

Edward Batters was aged 14 when he left Park Grove School during the middle of World War One, where he was described by his teacher as "an intelligent boy, steady and reliable, a most willing worker and of pleasing disposition."

The report was found by Elanor Dunn, 30, a radiographer at York Hospital, when she got home and found the report in the drawers she purchased from Banana Warehouse the same day.

No other details were left with the documents, leaving the whereabouts of its owner shrouded in mystery.

However, after The Press appealed for information, readers got in touch about the Edward to talk about the man they knew.

Born in 1902, Edward lived for many years at Markham Street, off Haxby Road, with his wife, Nellie, and son, Arthur.

His only son, who is still alive today, was born in 1935, and now resides in sheltered housing at Langley House, Dodsworth Avenue, York.

Edward's niece, Valerie Sabory, 68, of Sefton Avenue, York, got in touch when her cousin's daughter spotted the article online.

She said: "I was surprised to see it there, but it's lovely that it has been found.

"It's a wonderful thing and we are delighted because it looks as good as new.

"I was only little when Edward was alive, but he was a lovely chap."

Edward worked all his life and spent time at Rowntree's before retiring in his 60s.