LET'S just finish with Midge the Chimp story, which, if you are a regular reader of this column, you will know has been running for a couple of weeks.

Mrs E Corkin, of Gilnow Gardens, Bolton, writes that she used to live in John Street, near where Chorlton's shop was on Derby Street, and where Midge lived.

"I remember Midge in her cage on one side of the shop. I was just saying 'hello' one day, put my head near the cage, and Midge took out my hair grips. Midge was such a celebrity."

Mrs E Rumney, of Barncroft Road, Farnworth, says that she lived in Shaw Street, and used to see Midge regularly. "She did used to go in a van, dressed up. The story about her brought back many happy memories."

Doreen Dawson, of St Dominic's Mews, Bolton, says that Chorlton's shop faced Billy Baker's club, and it was said that Midge saved the club from burning down. It seems that the club caught fire during the night, and Midge went frantic, waking up her owners, who took action to get the fire put out.

"I used to go into the shop as a youngster," she writes, "and Midge would throw a piece of sacking through the bars of her cage and play tug-of-war with whoever got hold of the other end."

Doreen goes on to say that she was brought up near Magee's brewery, and remembers the shire horses, particularly when they were all dressed up on May Day.

"During the school summer holidays, some of the drivers would take us children on the carts while they delivered barrels of beer to the pubs. If I remember rightly, there were nine horses, Alex, Captain, Jolly, King, Lincoln, Monty, Major, Prince and Rex, and two dogs, Bruce and Scamp."

So goodbye to Midge, but is it hello to the shire horses?