I AM writing to inform you of a most happy event on November 28.

I had my first ever contact with a blood-relation since I became an orphan at the age of eight months in the year 1934.

My mother Elsie Owen had been taken seriously ill, and died soon after I was born. Following her death I was taken into the Children's Cottage Homes, and remained there until being taken into foster care when I was aged four.

I am now 66 and have learned for the first time that I had a sister named Lily, who died, and a brother named Edward Brian who was adopted.

As I have no means of finding out any further information about my brother, I would like to ask if you can print a short article in your newspaper, as a means of finding my brother and hopefully making contact with him.

The person who has made contact with me is Lilian Whittle, and is one of three nieces and two nephews. We are looking forward to being united and beginning a new chapter in our lives, but we need to pursue the whereabouts of my brother.

Information we have is as follows: Edward Brian born November 27, 1933. Mother Elsie Owen, formerly Kay born July 1907. Cause of death hypernephroma, died August 1935.

I have received the relevant certified copies from my niece.

Thomas Joseph Owen

47 Laburnum Park

Bradshaw, Bolton, BL2 3BX.

Tel 01204 304864