STAFF at a hi-fi shop in Prestwich are hoping to solve the mystery of a long lost locket.

A small silver heart-shaped locket was discovered in a secret room at Richer Sounds in Bury New Road, sparking speculation about its origin and history.

The personal piece of jewellery features a tiny black and white photograph of a man in his mid to late thirties on one side, while the other side is empty.

Shopworkers at Richer Sounds have been left wondering who the locket belongs to and whose photograph should be next to the man's.

Deputy manager Paul Owen said: "The photograph is obviously quite old, probably dating back to the 1940s or 1950s and the locket has lost much of its shine. We would like to see if anyone recognises the man in the photograph and reunite the jewellery with its owner.

"It is unusual that there is only one photograph in the locket - perhaps the couple fell out before the locket was lost or the photograph is of a close friend or relative. Prestwich is quite a large village but many people have lived here for a long time so we are hoping someone might recognise the man."

The locket was discovered by workmen who recently carried out a refit at the shop.

Mr Owen said they wanted to make more room for Christmas stock and decided to extend at the rear of the premises.

The workmen knocked down a brick wall in the rear storeroom to reveal yet another room, which was a surprise to all who worked there.

Mr Owen said: "We had no idea this room existed, so it was a shock for the workmen and a shock for us. When they knocked down the brick wall, they saw the locket nestled in the rubble. Richer Sounds has been here for ten years and I have no idea what was here before us.

"Perhaps the locket belonged to whoever owned the building."

If anyone recognises the locket or photograph, they can contact Mr Owen on (0161) 773 0333.