ANCIENT photos discovered in an antique sideboard, including one of an Ipswich pub, are posing a problem for an Essex charity.For it is trying to track down the owners of the family photos … some depicting people as early as 1890.

ANCIENT photos discovered in an antique sideboard, including one of an Ipswich pub, are posing a problem for an Essex charity.

For it is trying to track down the owners of the family photos … some depicting people as early as 1890.

The images were discovered by Colchester charity Emmaus while they were dismantling an old piece of furniture.

About 20 photos were found showing different family members in a period from 1890 to the 1930s.

On the back of the pictures descriptions like "our mum" are written giving no real clue to the identity.

Among the photos that were discovered is an expired passport belonging to Alfred Brighten. There is also a picture showing the Emperor pub in Norwich Road, Ipswich, taken in the 1930s.

Emmaus is a charity that is hoping to build a living community for the homeless and it raises money on its Cowdray Centre site through selling donated second-hand furniture.

Project co-ordinator Caroline Wood said: "I just can't bring myself to throw them away. I'm sure that these photos would mean the world to someone.

"We've got the passport and that gives us a clue, but there is no way we can keep track of who donated the sideboard as we get so much furniture here.

"The photos were found when the sideboard was being dismantled as it was in a terrible state."

If anyone recognises the photos they can contact Ms Wood on 01206 364266.