The hunt is on for the family of a Second World War gunner after a "heartwarming" letter was found hidden inside a city home undergoing renovations.

Mark Rankine, 52, was shocked by the unusual find which his brother uncovered while clearing the inside of an old pre-fab house in Hanbury Close, Norwich.

According to Mark, a railway worker, the letter was tucked between the wood supports of the staircase, and it was attached to a service record for a man called Albert Broome.

A letter and service record were found in a home undergoing renovations in NorwichA letter and service record were found in a home undergoing renovations in Norwich (Image: Mark Rankine)

It was found tucked above the staircaseIt was found tucked above the staircase (Image: Mark Rankine)

Having previous experience in researching the lives of fallen servicemen from the Second World War, Mark knew he needed to find out more about Mr Broome and reunite the letter with his surviving family.

READ MORE: Victory for more than 100 city factory workers who took to the picket line

"I've found out so far that Albert James Broome was born in May 1920 and was a machinist before the war.

"On August 15, 1940, he joined the Royal Artillery as a gunner and served in Italy, the central Mediterranean and may have been a prisoner of war for a while. 

Albert's letter was described as heartwarmingAlbert's letter was described as heartwarming (Image: Mark Rankine)

"He was unfortunately injured during fighting and left the army in August 1946."

The letter, which is undated and addressed to Albert's wife, Peggy, mentions how he wishes to be in her arms again and how they "just cannot live without each other."

READ MORE: New owners at the helm of riverside cafe and deli after shock closure

This reportedly brought tears to the eyes of Mark's sister-in-law when she read it.

Mark added: "Albert and Peggy had two daughters, Pat and Pauline, and he passed away on May 31, 2005, aged 85, laid to rest in Earlham Road Cemetery, Norwich.

Albert died in 2005 and was laid to rest in Earlham Park Cemetery Albert died in 2005 and was laid to rest in Earlham Park Cemetery (Image: Mark Rankine)

"Oddly the letter and other bits were discovered virtually the same day as the anniversary of his passing."

Now Mark wishes to find any Broomes and hopes any shared information can help track down remaining relatives.

"My brother and I are keen to repatriate the letter and service card to Albert's family, his two daughters may very well still be alive."