A man from Swadlincote has launched a desperate appeal after learning he has a long-lost sister.

Gareth Phillips, 29, unearthed the discovery after his auntie was searching through the possessions of his father, John McPherson, who died 15 years ago.

Mr Phillips’ aunt reached out to Gareth on social media site Facebook last week to reconnect after many years of losing touch.

Gareth Phillips was shocked to discover that he has a little sister
Gareth Phillips was shocked to discover that he has a little sister

She told self-employed Gareth that she heard rumours his father had another child a few years ago, but she wasn’t completely certain.

After talking for some time, Gareth’s aunt said she had stumbled across a baby photo after looking through her brother's belongings with a name, date and location scribbled on the back.

Her suspicions were confirmed when the words on the baby photo read:

"Georgia

23-1-98

LB 8/10

Time 11:03

Kathleen keep this safe for me."

The back of the baby photo discovered by Gareth's aunt
The back of the baby photo discovered by Gareth's aunt

Gareth believes Georgia was born in 1998 in Burton – making her now 19 years old.

"I’m excited to find someone who’s still a part of my family," Gareth said.

"I’ve never met anyone from that side so it’ll be nice. I’ve been curious all my life, I’ve been trying to get in touch with that side of the family for as long as I can remember."

If you think you have any information about Georgia, contact Gareth through his Facebook profile here.