ART experts are being invited to identify a mysterious painting found hidden wedged in the wall of a Kent building.

The watercolour of Reculver Towers, near Herne Bay was uncovered during the renovation of 150 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, near Margate. The building is now Town Centre Mortgages (TCM).

The painting has been dated back to the 1870s. But experts at Sotheby's were unable to identify the artist.

TCM director Richard Hull is intrigued by the picture.

He said: "It was discovered by workmen in the wall. It was almost as if they did time capsules in those days."

He took it to Cliftonville art shop Lovelys where it has spent three months in a special chamber to help stop further deterioration.

The picture shows signs of foxing, a condition that occurs when metal in the paper is exposed to air.

The painting now has pride of place in TCM's new offices, which also house R.H. Investments, specialists in financial advice for investors.

Mr Hull has spent about £300,000 refurbishing the premises which has three flats above.

Anyone with information about the painting can call TCM on 01843 282220.