JASON Barrett, of Padbury Way, Breightmet, has been in touch about his grandfather - local boxer Sydney Parker.

Jason is trying to find out information about his career and the sort of man he was.

Well Jason, I have found a cutting in our files reporting his death in September, 1963, at the age of 52. He lived in Laycock Avenue, Bolton.

Our respected sports writer, Haydn Berry, described him as 'one of the best fly-weight boxers of his day.'

He wrote: 'On the tall side for an eight-stone fighter, Parker learned the game in the toughest school, the small halls, the fairground booths and as a sparring partner to champions, and he became a very competent professional fit to mix with the best in Britain.

'He possessed one of the most accurate and effective left jabs in the business, and a following right heavy enough to account for a string of victims.'

Although he was never given a chance to fight for a British championship, Sydney defeated the Scottish champion Jimmy Campbell, the Welsh champion Harry Hill, former British amateur champion Pat Palmer and both the Northern and Southern Area title holders, Percy Dexter and Tommy Pardoe.

The obituary concluded: 'Until forced by his illness to stay away, Parker attended boxing shows whenever he could and his passing will be regretted by a wide circle of friends and admirers.'

If anybody has any information for Jason, his address is 31 Padbury Way, Breightmet, Bolton, BL2 5DL, and his email address is jason.barret@ntlworld. com