A COUPLE of weeks ago I mentioned the story of rats leaving the old Fish Market on Bridge Street when it closed in 1932, and moving en masse across town to the new market at Ashburner Street. It seems, as I said then, to be true.

I have now received a letter from Mr Maurice Kobelt, a hairdresser at Bollings Yard, off Bradshawgate, who said that when he read the story, it reminded him of something told him many years ago, by a police sergeant, who was nearing retirement.

"He said," writes Mr Kobelt, "that the night before the old Fish Market was to be demolished, he was in Bridge Street when he heard a strange 'chattering noise", and looking behind him he saw what he described as 'wall to wall rats'. He hastily climbed up on to a shop window ledge, where he clung on for dear life while they passed by. He was adamant they were led by a huge king rat!

"I took the story of the giant rat with a pinch of salt, until I recalled that in the late 1940s, I had paid 1d to see such a creature on show at the New Year fair on Moor Lane. At first glance I thought it was a rabbit with its ears chopped off, but closer inspection of its feet and tail proved that it was indeed a 'King Rat'. They claimed that it had been found by a London fireman, while clearing bomb damage.'

Well, thanks for that information, Mr Kobelt. More proof that the rat story was correct.