"I WAS interested in your recent item about John Stanley, of Highfield Farm, Farnworth," writes Mr George K. Brown, of Barncroft Road, Farnworth. It was in response to the picture of Mr Stanley's milk float which I printed, and which has been commented on by many people.

"I wonder how many of your readers can remember another Farnworth farmer - Tom Hough, of Townley's Farm, Farnworth?" Mr Brown asks.

"He delivered milk and eggs to my family from the 1920s until the '60s, when he moved to Cheshire because so much of his farm land was being built upon. There were no milk bottles in the pre-war years, and one of my household duties as a child was to put a milk jug on the front step each morning, covered by a ring of fine lace with beads sewn round the edges to keep it in place. In those days, eggs were dearer in winter, and my mother used to pickle a bucketful each year.

"When I left home, following my wartime marriage, he delivered to my new family, which quickly grew in number. I was sacked from my three first, post-war, jobs. Money was a problem, even paying for milk.

"Your children need milk! Pay me what you can when you can," were Tom's comments on my financial problems. The debt grew. After he left for Cheshire he used to come back each month for the 'odd bob'. No doubt there were other local families he called on. Finally we paid up the last penny. I can still remember Tom and my family celebrating round the fire with a chat over a cup of tea. He was a wonderful man, and a true friend to the family.

"He had a daughter - Barbara, if my memory serves we well (it doesn't always). She was an international show jumper. Farnworth has provided more than its share of international sporting people, but it must be a surprise to some of your readers that Farnworth provided a horse in the British Olympic team. I wonder if anyone can recall its name?"

Well, if so, and the date of the Olympics in which Barbara took part, please let me know. Do you recall name of Farnworth's Olympic horse?