WAS there ever a watering hole in Malvern known as The Spa? That is the question being posed by Malvern residents Merrick and Caroline Feast.

The couple, who moved to Malvern two years ago and are members of the Friends of Malvern Springs and Wells, have acquired a Victorian-style Whitbread pub sign from Gloucestershire, but are not sure if it has its origins in Malvern or another spa town.

Last year Mr and Mrs Feast were awarded the St Werstan Award by the Friends and Malvern English Water for dislodging an obstruction in the Court Road Spout outside their home in Woodshears Road, Barnards Green, enabling the famous spring water to flow from it for the first time in 15 years.

Mr Feast said: "We got the sign from a salvage yard in Cirencester but as far as we know it could have come from anywhere with a spa. We bought it because it was slightly relevant to Malvern.

"It is a full-size pub sign and is hanging in our porch. It is made of metal and is painted to resist the conditions. Presumably it has been hanging outside a pub and the pub has been closed down. I would be quite interested to know where it has come from. It is just called The Spa.

"Presumably it has come a town with spa connections."

Cora Weaver, Malvern historian and organiser of the Friends of Malvern Springs and Wells, said she was not aware of a pub in Malvern called The Spa.

She said: "If there wasn't one, maybe we should ask why. It would be interesting to know where the sign came from and what happened to the pub."

If anyone can solve the mystery of The Spa pub sign contact Cora Weaver by e-mailing cora@malvernspa.com or ring 01684 561215.