In 1965, a young Bristol woman was part of a team formed to beat the world scooter speed record.

Marlene Parker, a taxi driver in the city, had been selected from 67 female applicants from across the country to ride a Lambretta scooter in Monza in Italy and break the world record of 110 miles an hour.

The team behind the attempt, which was sponsored by Lambretta and Filtrate Oils, is now reuniting.

The only missing member is Marlene – but no one knows where she is.

Robert Forest-Webb, who designed the machine and now lives in Hertfordshire, said: "We know she was a young Bristol woman, an excellent and fearless rider whose skills impressed scooter enthusiasts across Britain and Europe.

"Eventually the machine was sold and the team lost touch with Marlene. Unknown to the designers and engineers the machine wasn't scrapped, and has recently been discovered in the hands of a large German scooter company which is intending to completely rebuild it and return it to its former glory of 40 years ago.

"They are also trying to bring together all those of the British team who attempted the world record at that time."

So far the designers and engineers, former chairman of the oil company and the management of Lambretta in Italy have all been contacted.

Mr Forest-Webb said: "The only person missing, and who was probably the most important person of all, is Marlene. Does anyone know where she may be found? Can anyone help us? If you know, then please get in touch."

If you can help, please contact reporter Emily Koch by email or on 0117 934 3412.