A motorbike enthusiast is hoping to find the original owner of a classic rare motorcycle which was purchased in Swindon.

Andrew Williams, owner of a Puch M125 motorcycle, has followed the history of the bike from Wiltshire to Dundee, Scotland, before being found in a garage in Bristol without a logbook.

Only 12 models are known to exist in the UK and Andrew would love to meet the first registered owner John B Lovegrove, a Swindon man who bought the bike in 1969.

Andrew said: “I’d love to show John Lovegrove, if he’s still about, his old bike. He purchased it at Artdean’s motorcycles in Swindon.

“On July 26 2014, myself and my partner Louise Gray went to the Welland Steam Fair, near Malvern, on two of our Puch mopeds, Percy and Penny.

"As we rolled up, Kevin Willmott, who was given the Puch, came up to us asking about the bikes and he mentioned he had a Puch 125.

“He said he wanted £200 for it. So the next day we bombed down the M5 to Bristol and it was in amazing original condition.

“I spent the next few weeks fitting new tyres, servicing, painting a few bits and applying for a logbook. The mileage was 12,599 from new and she was named Poppy.

“Sadly in the middle of 2015, I fell ill and it turned out to be long-term. We sold most of our 12 bikes and I advertised the Puch, but kept the front number plate with Poppy painted on it.

“After finally being diagnosed in late 2023, I felt better and was looking forward to riding more, although I had never stopped.

"Looking on a Facebook group, I spotted Poppy and messaged the seller to see if he wanted the number plate. He replied asking if I wanted the bike back.

“On March 10 2024, she re-joined our collection. It has been used for messing about, going to shows at the Three Counties showground, shopping and getting parts. It has just clocked 15,000 miles from new.

“At one show I was approached by a man who wanted to know all about Poppy and her history and he was a writer for the Classic Bike Guide magazine – she featured in the July edition.”

“I would love to find John or his family and friends, as I love finding out the history of all my bikes", Andrew added.