A FORGOTTEN painting of Worcester has been discovered - on the edges of a book's pages.

The watercolour painting of the Cathedral and River Severn, with shipping in the foreground, only reveals itself when the pages of the book are fanned out, and disappears when the leaves are closed.

It is thought to have been created in the early 19th Century and was found at Worcestershire County Council's record office.

The style of the work is known as "fore-edge painting" and was once a common sight, but it is now so scarce the find has caused quite a stir.

"We can only guess at how long this beautiful painting has been hidden away without being seen," said county councillor Stephen Clee.

"I'm delighted that it has now seen the light of day and that many people will be able to view a unique example of a painting style that has all but died away."

The painting was discovered on a book donated to the council by former councillor Alderman Palfrey, who was chairman of the records committee in the 1940s.