AN Australian woman is hoping to trace her family roots back in Worcester as part of a book she is planning to write.

Merilyn Ragg is tracking the descendants of her great-great-grandfather Benjamin Evans-Turner, who was born in the Faithful City on March 23, 1796.

"He was a very colourful character and eccentric and I have always wanted to write a book about him," she said. "But there are a few missing gaps that I am trying to fill in first."

Mr Evans-Turner was the son of Penelope Evans and William Turner, a waterman, both from Worcester. They were married on April 21, 1787 in Claines.

He was baptised at St Clement's Church, in St John's in April 1796. He then married his cousin Anne Pugh at Hartlebury on June 20 1818 and they had a daughter, Caroline.

But, in August, Mr Evans-Turner was convicted of stealing cheese and a loaf of bread for which he was shipped to Australia.

After seven years, upon receipt of his certificate of freedom, he then moved to New Zealand where, at the age of 44, he married a 16-year-old and had 11 more children.

One of those was the great-grandfather of Mrs Ragg, who now lives in Queensland, Australia.

"I have been tracing my family tree for about 30 years," she said. "But I seem to have hit a wall when it comes to tracing the Worcester side of Benjamin's background.

"I don't know if Anne Pugh or Caroline stayed in Worcester when he was sent to Australia and whether they have any descendants in the town. Or perhaps one of his eight brothers and sisters. Are there any descendants of those still in Worcester?"

Anyone who can help Mrs Ragg to trace her family tree in Worcester should contact her by email at nasese85@bigpond.net.au or write to her at 33 Cannon Drive, Currumbin Waters, Queensland 4223, Australia.

l Finding your roots? We may be able to help put you in touch with people who can help. Log onto our website thisisworcester.co.uk, click on "Where Are They Now?" and follow the links.