  We describe a new multi-colour proper motion survey for cool white dwarfs
(CWDs). The observational database consists of ~300 digitally scanned Schmidt
plates in ESO/SERC field 287. The entire survey procedure, from the raw Schmidt
plate data to final white dwarf luminosity function (WDLF) is described, with
special emphasis on completeness concerns. We obtain a sample of 58 WDs, for
which we have follow up CCD photometry and spectroscopy of a representative
sub--sample. Effective temperatures and luminosities of our sample objects are
determined by comparing photometry with the model atmosphere predictions of
Bergeron, Saumon and Wesemael. Space densities are calculated using an
adaptation of Schmidts (1/Vmax) method, from which a WDLF is constructed.
Comparison of our observational LF with the models of both Wood and
Garcia-Berro et al. indicate an age for the local Galactic Disc of
10{-1}_{+3}Gyr. Importantly, we find no evidence of incompleteness in our
survey sample. Proper motion number counts imply the survey is complete, and
the WD sample passes the (V/V_{max}) completeness test.
