The challenge is on to reunite a lost letter with its rightful family, 80 years after it was sent from Ryde, on the Isle of Wight.

Dated January 16, 1944, the handwritten correspondence was sent to Arthur Rayner and addressed to Scarborough's Grand Hotel.

Decades later, it was found by Peter McArthur while he was carrying out some building work on the impressive seafront hotel.

He discovered the touching letter, from a mum to her son, underneath the floorboards and he decided to stash it away for safety.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cheerio for now, my dear, from all at home.Cheerio for now, my dear, from all at home. (Image: Contributed)

Isle of Wight County Press: The Grand Hotel, ScarboroughThe Grand Hotel, Scarborough (Image: Google)

For a while, Peter forgot he had it but having recently rediscovered it, he wants to find its rightful owner.

Peter told the County Press: "I do hope someone from the Rayner family will contact your paper. I am sure they would be pleased to see this lovely letter, from mother to son, at such a difficult time in their lives".

In 1939, a specially arranged head count was carried out at the start of the Second World War.

Sometimes known as the Wartime Domesday Book, this historic census shows 21-year-old aircraft apprentice Arthur living with his parents, Amy and Robert, in Southfield Terrace, Bettesworth Road, Ryde.

By 1944, Arthur had relocated to the Grand Hotel in Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Help us find Isle of Wight airman, Arthur Rayner's relatives

  • Were Amy, Robert and Arthur Rayner, of Bettesworth Road, Ryde, part of YOUR family?
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Isle of Wight County Press: Bettesworth Road in Ryde, as it is todayBettesworth Road in Ryde, as it is today (Image: IWCP)

Wartime records, unsealed in the 1970s, show the building was used to host trainee air crew, during their basic two month-long training course.

The envelope identifies Arthur as part of the RAF's Number 10 Initial Training Wing - or ITW - with number seven Flight Squadron.

In the letter, there is no mention of war. Instead, Arthur's mum writes: "I am hoping to find you still keeping fit and well.

"The weather is lovely - just like spring.

"Aunty Doris and Harry were over from Portsmouth on Friday. In fact, Betty had dinner with them".

Isle of Wight County Press: The letter is dated 1944.The letter is dated 1944. (Image: Contributed)

Isle of Wight County Press: The impressive Grand Hotel in ScarboroughThe impressive Grand Hotel in Scarborough (Image: Google)

Amy asks Arthur if he would like any marmalade and jam, or perhaps he would rather wait to have them when he is home? She promises they can also enjoy a Christmas pudding.

She concludes: "Today is Sunday and I am wondering what you are doing.

"In two days' time, you have been gone three months. Time flies, doesn't it?

"My dear, I must wish you cheerio for now, from all at home. God bless you, my dear.

"Best love, from Mother".