A RECENT item about Morecambe memories prompted Michael McEwing to turn up at our front counter with this photograph.

Michael and his mother Florence are pictured, right, some time in the 1960s with a ship which might be familiar to some Looking Back readers.

He says: "The ship in the background was a landmark for many years and I think at that time it was sixpence to have a walk round and stand on the spot where Gregory Peck stood."

The famous actor starred as Captain Ahab in the 1956 film version of Herman Melville's famous whaling yarn.

The ship is called the Moby Dick here, but presumably it was the Pequod in the film.

Michael, who lives in Turton Road, Bradshaw, is not entirely sure, but he remembers a placard suggesting a connection.

"I think it was about 1969 that the ship was destroyed by fire," he says.

"We used to go to Morecambe for the summer holidays and there are a lot of happy memories there for me," he goes on.

"We always had a walk to Heysham and sampled the nettle beer.

"There used to be a big pair of scales and you could get yourself weighed for a few pennies."

He remembers various attractions, including Happy Mount Park with its miniature railway and paddling pool.

But he adds: "My wife and I visited Morecambe a few months ago and I could not believe how run-down it has become."