AN ANGLESEY businessman is hoping to give the family of an unknown soldier a special Christmas gift.

Developer Phil Austin bought Bryn Mel Manor, near Llandegfan, in 2013.

During renovation work to convert the property into 10 luxury apartments workmen found some historic medals hidden in the eaves.

Now, Mr Austin is hoping to relocate the medals to their rightful owner, hopefully in time for Christmas.

The impressive 19th century mansion on the banks of the Menai Strait, immediately opposite Bangor Pier, has strong links to the Titanic story.

The original 39 bedroomed mansion was completed in 1899, following 10 years of construction.

It was built for William Imrie, of the White Star Shipping Company - owner of the ill-fated ship. The wealthy Liverpool shipping magnate was known as “the Prince of Shipowners.”

The house was built in a opulent Victorian style using locally sourced materials, stone and Penrhyn slate. It has thick stone walls, mullioned windows, ornate wood panelling with turrets and castellations.

However, when Mr Austin bought the property, it had formally been used as a nursing home. After it closed in 2011, the property was empty for some time and fell into a state of neglect.

Mr Austin said: “During the later stage of conversion, my team discovered a collection of First and Second World War medals.

“Previously, all sorts of things had been found, love letters and all sorts of documents, but unfortunately they weren’t retained.

“But, during our renovations we found the WWII medals named for a Welsh Fusilier called ‘Alun L Thomas. ‘

“The main group of medals are displayed on a plaque, which had been deliberately hidden away in a cavity in the eaves of the roof.

“It is my assumption that either Mr Thomas or a relative may have been a resident when the house was a nursing home, although there have been other families who have lived here.

“The medals really should be reunited with the family of Fusilier Thomas. We’d like to hear from anyone who might know anything about them.”

Other notable residents include the Johnston family. They lived at Bryn Mel manor from 1906.

The Johnston family also had a shipping legacy and this is reflected in a stained glass window on the manor’s grand, main staircase.

After William lmrie’s death in 1906, Bryn Mel Manor was purchased by Major Eric Platt. His ancestors were the globally significant makers of cotton-processing machinery in Lancashire.

Bryn Mel Manor was Major Platt’s main residence until 1914. After the death of his father, he and his family would later move across the Menai Strait to Gorddiniog, at Llanfairfechan.

Phil, who is also the managing director of film company The Lifechannel Limited, said: “It would be really nice if we could reunite the medals with their rightful owner.

“It would be a nice Christmas present for someone or perhaps for a family to have the medals of their ancestor to reconnect with their family history.”

Anyone who knows anything about the hidden medals, or who knows who was Fusilier Alun L Thomas is asked to contact Phil Austin via the North Wales Chronicle. Please email:dale.spridgeon@newsquest.co.uk or ring 01248 387418.