f+bA FORMER Bolton lass is searching for an old flame - to try and pick up romance where they left off.

The trouble is the boyfriend may no longer be strutting his stuff . . . because the sprightly lady hoping to turn back the clock is 92!

Helen Britcliffe, who now lives in Carlisle, has been widowed three times. The last time she tied the knot was after a whirlwind romance at Blackrod in 1972.

But now she's alone again, Helen has been harking back to her teenage days when she had a boyfriend called Clifford Lawton - a young joiner from Moses Gate.

The BEN got to hear of Helen's search for her former sweetheart when a letter appeared on the editor's desk from her daughter and son-in law, Phyllis and Bert Baines, of Southport.

It appealed for readers' help to find out whether Clifford is still alive - and still eligible.

"She may be 92, she still has a keen eye for a nice man," said Phyllis. "She lives in a home in Carlisle and she's always chatting up the male nurses.

"My mother is just keen to know whether Clifford is still alive. We are really only joking about romance - but you never know. When she was young and single, she was a very bonnie red-head and was called Helen Wareing." Helen's first marriage was to John Kershaw who kept the former Great Lever Farm off Green Lane, Bolton.

"My mother's mind is very active and she often reminisces about the happy days in Bolton when she was young. We promised her we would try to find out what happened to Clifford," said Phyllis.

Anyone who can help can contact Phyllis on 01704 535819.

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