OVERJOYED organisers of a celebration of the life of Dudley’s greatest ever footballer Duncan Edwards have unearthed an extremely rare photograph of him with his school team.

The original photograph of Priory Junior School’s league championship winning side of 1947-48 shows the then 11-year-old Duncan proudly lining up with his team mates following their successful season – 10 years before his untimely death in the Munich air crash.

It is believed to be Duncan’s own copy that he, along with the rest of the team, was presented with to commemorate the victory and hasn’t been seen since – until now.

Members of his family made the incredible discovery while collecting memorabilia to feature in The Duncan Edwards 60th Anniversary Tribute Exhibition, running at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre until Friday, March 30.

Organiser Jim Cadman, of The Duncan Edwards Anniversary Tribute, said the photo will be unveiled at the exhibition on February 6 – 60 years to the day of the tragedy.

And Stourbridge resident Mr Cadman said he was inviting any surviving members or family of the Priory team featured in the photograph to contact him so they can be part of an anniversary dinner at the Copthorne Hotel in on Thursday, October 11.

Duncan was aged just 21 when he was a victim of the Munich air crash which claimed the lives of eight Manchester United players. He died in hospital 15 days later on February 21.

Mr Cadman said: “This is an amazing discovery of a rare photograph. It is certainly the first time I’ve ever seen one.

“We believe it is Duncan’s own copy – each member of the Priory team would have been given one - and it is in incredible condition considering how old it is.

“This is very special indeed. It’s a reminder that Duncan won his first titles here in Dudley and it is inspirational for young people in our town today.

“Duncan dreamed of playing at Wembley and with a lot of hard work and determination, he achieved that and went on to be one of the greatest ever.

“This photograph also belongs to Dudley. All the shirts, medals and England caps that come from Manchester are wonderful but this, along with the success of the Archives exhibition so far is enabling us to keep our promise to Duncan’s mother that his memory will not be allowed to fade in his home town.”

Any former Priory School members in the photo or their family can contact Mr Cadman on 07971 624627 or email jwc@corstone.co.uk

For more information on the tribute and for tickets to the dinner, visit the website at www.duncanedwardstribute.com