WHITCHURCH residents could be the heir to a small fortune according to the government's list of unclaimed estates.

When someone dies with no will or known family, their property and assets – unclaimed estates – is passed over to the Crown as ownerless property.

A list is then published by the government and routinely updated to help people who are entitled to come forward and make their claim.

Of the thousands of estates on the list, there are only two located in Whitchurch, for Evelyn Mary Smith and Margaret Edith Woodcock.

The records show Evelyn was born on September 22, 1923 and died in Whitchurch on March 17, 2002 and never married.

When she died the records show she was in the care of the Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust.

Meanwhile Margaret was born in Newport, Shropshire on Janurary 26, 1916 and died in Whitchurch on January 1, 2010.

Margaret's maiden name was Ralphs but there is no further information.

Claims will be generally accepted within 12 years from the date the administration of the estate was completed and interest will be paid on the money held.

For more information on claiming an estate, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/make-a-claim-to-a-deceased-persons-estate