RAMBLERS are being urged to don their thinking caps and help auctioneers pinpoint the location of a picture by a renowned Worcester painter.

Staff at Sotheby's, in London, are urging Evening News readers to look at the picture - entitled A Summer's Day - When The South Winds Congregate In Crowds - to see if they recognise the view.

It was painted by Worcester-born Benjamin Williams Leader, who moved to Whittington, near Worcester, in 1862, from where he explored the surrounding countryside.

The picture is due to go under the hammer on Thursday, November 27, and staff are anxious to find the location so they can inform would-be bidders of what the painting depicts.

"The precise location of the view is not identified, but it is more than likely it represents the Worcestershire countryside," said a Sotheby's spokesman.

The massive painting, which measures 7ft by 4ft, is expected to fetch around £120,000.

If it reaches the pre-sale estimate, it will only be the second time a Leader painting has broken the £100,000 mark.

The current world record for a Leader painting is £137,750, which has stood for three years following the sale of a picture featuring St Mary's Church at Kempsey, which was auctioned at Christie's, in London, in June 2000.

If you recognise the view (above) contact the Evening News on 01905 742241 or email wenedit@thisisworcester.co.uk