A POSTCARD sent by a North Yorkshire soldier during the First World War has turned up in Carlisle.

The postcard was sent by a Private J J Turton, to a Miss Dolly Moore, at Ness House, Langton Road, Malton.

But it was bought in a local shop by the wife of Frank Hodgson, who lives in Carlisle.

Mr Hodgson contacted The Press to see if any of the young soldier’s relatives still live in the area.

In the postcard, which is decorated with embroidery, Pte Turton writes: “Hope this finds all at Malton in the best of health as it leaves me in the pink at present, received the small but most useful little present that Tommy could wish you to send.

“I’ll assume you have had some peaceful nights since I received it and I think it very thoughtful of you to send me such a usefull (sic) present.

“Best of love to all, Jack, xxxxxx Busy x Busy x Busy x”.

Unfortunately there is no indication as to what the “usefull little present” was.

Although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission lists several J Turtons as having being killed, none quite match JJ Turton of Norton, so it is possible he survived the Great War and went on to have a long and happy life.

The postcard bears no specific date but 3/18 is quoted, although there is no mention of a year.

Mr Hodgson said: “I just thought it might be of interest to some distant relative in the area.”

He said the embroidery on the postcard was very skilfully done and behind the embroidery there was a little pocket which held a small card which reads: “Forget me not, Pte JJ Turton.”

After the address the soldier has written “Blighty” suggesting he was serving abroad at the time and may even have been fighting in Flanders.

Anyone with information about the postcard can email richard.harris@thepress.co.uk