BUILDERS refitting a local boozer made a puzzling discovery when they uncovered a massive old map (pictured) of the town.

The find at the Sutton Arms in Elephant Lane, has baffled the landlord, owners, and regulars at the local.

Mike Scott, the owner of the pub, reckons the map - measuring about 20ft by 6ft deep - is far older than the pub, which was built in the 1960s.

Covered on the map, are the areas of Sutton, Parr, and Thatto Heath. But it portrays a vastly different picture from the town today.

Analysing the diagram over a few beers, Mike and regulars at the pub have come to the conclusion the map dates back to the 1850s... but they are hoping history buffs will come forward and shed some light on the map's origins.

Mike, 49, said: "We found the map after taking out a unit at the bar where the optics are. One of the old fellas who comes in here said when we started the work 'You'll find a treasure map under there'. We thought he was joking!

Quite a stir

"It's proving tough finding who put the map up, because it's changed over to so many breweries."

And Mike adds that the new feature, which will be covered up after the refurbishment is complete, has caused quite a stir.

He said: "We have a queue of people coming to take a look. And they're not just from round here, they're from all over St Helens."

Can you shed any light on this puzzler? Give the Star's newsdesk a ring on 01744 611861 or email akilmurray@cheshire.newsquest.co.uk