LIVERPOOL’S oldest piece of indigenous pottery could soon be on public display after it was discovered in the back of a skip.

The Delph Plaque, which dates back to 1722, was discovered at Merchant Taylors’ school 10 years ago by maintenance man Jimmy Horrocks.

It was stored away in his loft until a chance conversation revealed its place in history.

Mr Horrocks, who has worked at the Crosby school for 17 years, said: "I can just about remember seeing a bit of blue and white pottery poking out of the skip and thought it was worth saving.

"Over the next few days, another two pieces appeared, so I took them home."

Not content with the separate pieces Mr Horrocks, who is interested in antique restoration, set about repairing the square tile.

He took a book out of the school library and, using a mix of titanium oxide from the science department and ordinary glue, made an invisible repair.

He added: "I thought no more of it and it sat in my loft for 10 years until a chance conversation with my old friend, Trevor Hildrey, the school’s archivist, revealed its true significance."

Former physics teacher Mr Hildrey remembers the plaque having pride of place at the school.

He said: "The  Delph Plaque commemorates the purchase of a pew in 1722 in St Michael’s Church by John and Henry Harrison, who were related to the school’s original founder, John Harrison, who died in 1618.

"I believe it hung in the church until it was demolished in the 19th century which is when we think it was acquired by the school.

"It eventually found its way into the present building and was framed and hung on the wall in the school hall.""There is a photograph of it hanging next to the First World War memorial."