A search has launched to find descendants of the real-life Tailor of Gloucester.

Information is being sought about the family tree of John Samuel Prichard- the man who inspired the famous tale by Beatrix Potter.

It is hoped they will be found in time to attend a celebration to mark the 120th anniversary of the book's publication.

The appeal has been made by The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, a tourist attraction at 9, College Court which pays homage to the author.

The shop and museum is based in the building the author sketched in her book, Tailor of Gloucester, which she described as her favourite story.

In it, the tailor is making a waistcoat for the Mayor of Gloucester to get married in on Christmas Day and it is mysteriously finished by mice.

It is based on the legend of a real-life Gloucester tailor, John Samuel Prichard, whose assistants spent a night secretly finishing a garment he was working on.

His shop was at 45 Westgate Street but Beatrix preferred the look of 9 College Court so sketched it for her book instead.

Prichard died in 1934 and is buried in the churchyard of St Mary in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. He is believed to have had several children.

Volunteers from the shop are now looking for any information which may help them trace his descendants. 

They bought The House of the Tailor of Gloucester and reopened it in 2007 after it was closed by its previous owners in 2005.

The clock is ticking for them to trace the tailors family in time for the anniversary celebrations next month, which will mark 120 years since the book was first published by Frederick Warne.

It is hoped they will attend a special evensong service at Gloucester Cathedral on Wednesday, October 11 at 5.30pm, which is open to all.

Chris Hill, chairman of the House of the Tailor of Gloucester, said, "It would mean a lot to us if we could locate John Prichard's descendants and for them to be present when we celebrate the 120th anniversary."

Anyone with information which may be of assistance is asked to email info@tailor-of-gloucester.org.uk