A HISTORIC Derbyshire knitwear firm wants Derby Telegraph readers to help identify a mystery model in pictures from the 1930s that were unearthed at its factory.

Jane Middleton-Smith, archivist at John Smedley, discovered the photographs while trying to document the history of the company, which is more than 225 years old.

During her search for historic documents and images at the Lea Mill factory, at Lea, near Matlock, she found a number of professional shots of a woman modelling outerwear.

The company has now launched a quest to find out her identity and piece together some information about her.

Mrs Middleton-Smith said: "We are guessing that she may have been a local person, with connections to the mill, but we know absolutely nothing about her.

"We would love to trace her descendants or anyone who recognises her.

"It would be great to know her story and to locate any other pictures of her modelling Smedley outerwear from the 1930s."

John Smedley began life in 1784 as a mill specialising in the production of muslin fabric and spinning cotton using hand-frame looms.

It was founded by Peter Nightingale and John Smedley and gradually extended production to include knitting and hosiery.

John Smedley made outerwear from the 1930s until the end of the Second World War, when the company went back to underwear.

Today, it makes fine gauge designer knitwear, including underwear.

Its products are sold in 30 countries, with Japan being the firm's largest export market.

Mrs Middleton-Smith said: "As well as identifying the lady in the pictures, I would love to find some garments from this time, which included sportswear and knitted swimwear."

Mrs Middleton-Smith was appointed by John Smedley to conduct the archive project after the firm celebrated its 225th anniversary.

Since then, she has been discovering documents and photos across the site.

She is hoping to put together a comprehensive guide to the history of the firm and eventually stage a public exhibition, featuring some of the items she has found.

She said: "Putting together a history of a firm with such a long and distinguished history is a daunting but incredibly interesting task.

"But it is a difficult to do it all on your own and there are times when we need the public to come forward to help us – this includes former workers.

"As well as documents, we are looking to collect memories and anecdotes from former staff."

If you recognise the model, call John Smedley on 01629 534571 and ask for the archive department.