THE search is on for a relative of an illustrious Poole family to help a school celebrate its roots.

Carter Community School at Hamworthy may no longer bear the full name of Alderman Herbert Carter, after whom it is named, but it has far from forgotten him. Now with the school as an academy and holding its Foundation Day on July 23, it wants to involve the family in its celebrations.

“What would be really special is to be able to relate where we are going to where we have been,” said principal Rob Davies.

“The community side of this school is absolutely central.”

During the school’s Foundation Day, when they celebrate being an academy in the United Learning group, a pledge will be signed to undertake to make Carter an outstanding school of which the whole community can be proud.

“I’m signing it, chairman of United Learning Edward Gould is signing it and we want to involve somebody from the family to sign it as a community representative,” said Mr Davies.

Having failed so far to track anyone down, Mr Davies is hoping Daily Echo readers can help with Herbert Spencer Carter, who was mayor of the town five times between 1912 and 1931 and in 1928 had the town’s highest honour conferred upon him – the freedom of the town. He also cut the ribbon to open the 1926 Poole Bridge and worked hard for education, libraries and to improve social conditions.

“We are still very proud of the origin of the school and the history of the school,” said Mr Davies. “Whilst we are looking to improve the school we will maintain the same kind of establishment it was in the past. We are a school of the community but proud of what we are aiming for.”

Anyone who can help should call the school’s Tracy Smith on 01202 676789 or email smitht@carter.poole.sch.uk