Malmesbury estate agent David Rogers has turned detective to find out if Winston Churchill spent a night in the town – and wants your help.

Mr Rogers, of Lockstones Estate Agents, is used to researching properties, but the sale of The Birches, formerly part of Ingleburn Farm on the Burton Hill estate, has led to a link to Sir Winston, who led Britain to victory in the Second World War.

Penny Thomas, who lived in The Birches for more than 20 years, sold the three-bedroom property through Lockstones.

She said that 15 years ago she was visited by Margaret La Fontaine, who used to live in the house. Her family, the Storeys, bought the estate in 1924.

Mrs La Fontaine asked if she could look round the building and said Sir Winston had stayed at the property along with his son, Randolph, who at the time was engaged to one of the daughters of the then farm owners.

In 1948 Randolph Churchill married June, daughter of Colonel Rex Hamilton Osborne, of Little Ingleburn, Malmesbury. The marriage was dissolved in 1961 and Randolph died from a heart attack, aged 57.

Mr Rogers said: “I am sure somebody out there will have some more information for us on the marriage and perhaps Sir Winston’s stay.”

“It is really special to think that one of this country’s most famous figures has stayed here in Malmesbury.”

If you have information call Lockstones on (01666) 338633.