WE asked in a recent Looking Back supplement about a shop in Newport Street in Bolton Town Centre.

The shop was selling tripe — a popular local delicacy enjoyed by families all over Bolton and surrounding districts although many people would definitely turn their noses up at it today.

Reader Alan Rimmer was keen to inform us that if you look closely at the shop selling offal you can make out the letters UCP which stood for United Cattle Products — the clue is clearly in the name.

"There where a number of shops in and around Bolton that belonged to this company which specialised in tripe, cow Heel and other body parts of cattle that most other butchers didn't sell," he explains.

In the late 1960s there were hundreds of UCP shops in Lancashire where today there are none.

It is still possible to buy such products as tripe, cow heel and ox tail on Bolton's Ashburner Street Market but these products are not popular or in fashion today.

Tripe with onions was a popular dish during and after World War Two and its unique texture was, for many, an acquired taste much like olives are today.

As for ox tail and cow heel — while making a terrific stew when times were hard there are fewer people today who would turn to these, mostly, discarded parts of an animal than in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Perhaps you recall regularly eating offal? Was it a staple in your home and did you actually enjoy it or was it a case of needs must?

Do you remember the UCP shops and the restaurants attached? If so we would love to hear from you and perhaps we can discuss some of the food stuffs you enjoyed as a child and how things have changed in the kitchen for modern families.

Alan was also interested to see the image of Jimmy Clayton's antique shop in Newport Street.

"Does anyone remember the huge stuffed bear that at one time stood at the entrance to the shop? I used to pass this shop most days when I was on my way to school in the 1950s," he recalls.

Shops just like Jimmy Clayton's are few and far between today. This was an Aladdin's cave of interesting finds that to a young Alan would be fascinating no doubt.

Do you recall any other shops that have long since bitten the dust? if so get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk