Clock tower's WWII autograph hunt

The clock overlooks the town centre

One clock tower in the south Wales valleys may be the tallest autograph book for miles around, but none of the signatures are of anyone famous.

Names dating back to 1913 are carved and written into the wooden casing of the 80ft (24m) Maesteg town hall clock.

The last names were left in 2005, and it is thought most were put there by workers carrying out repairs.

But one is the name of a WWII soldier from County Durham, and managers at the town hall want to trace his relatives.

L/Cpl Biggins signed his name as well as revealing that he came from Blaydon-on-Tyne, adding the dates 2/10/43 - 9/2/44 (2 October, 1943 to 9 February, 1944).

"We think he must have gone up to the clock tower for fire watch during the war," explained Dave Bostock, who runs the venue.

"What we would really like to do is try and find his relatives so we can let them know.

"There must be dozens and dozens of names up there.

L/Cpl Biggins made his mark within the confines of the tower

"I think what happened was one person signed their name and people going up there after copied.

"It's like a piece of history."

The clock was installed in the building in 1913 after a major refurbishment was carried out 34 years after it was opened. It is thought the first name was signed that same year.

It is housed in a wooden casing and until recently had to be wound manually.

Over the years, carpenters, electricians and other tradesmen have carried out repairs to the clock and its tower, and many have left their autograph as a memory.

One of the early names is that of A Anthony. who "took charge of this clock 14 October 14 1916."

"We think most of the people who have put their names there are local, but we are really interested in finding L/Cpl Biggins or his relatives," said Mr Bostock.