TWO old shipmates who had not seen each other since they dodged the German U-boats 58 years ago have been reunited -- thanks to the BEN.

Last weekend the Evening News published nostalgic photographs which were taken by Harwood man Frank Baxendale, 78, in snowy Newfoundland as the war raged in 1942.

He had forgotten all about the film and was amazed that staff at Boots in Shipgates were still able to print images clear enough to spur vivid memories of his wartime service in the Merchant Navy.

One photo used in the BEN showed Frank with a former pal Frank Watkin on a snow covered quay and he asked: "Does anyone know if Frank Watkin is still alive?"

The answer was provided almost as soon as Saturday's BEN started to drop through letterboxes.

Several people rang to say that Mr Watkin, now 79, is not only alive but lives in Bradshaw, a short walk away from Frank Baxendale's home in Seaford Road, Harwood.

Mr Baxendale said: "Astonished isn't the word. The last time I saw Frank was when our ship docked in England at the end of 1942. I can't believe that he has been living five minutes away."

The two old friends met again yesterday and chatted about their Merchant Navy days when Mr Baxendale called in on Mr Watkin in N3 Ward of Royal Bolton Hospital.

And that, in itself, was another amazing co-incidence, said Mr Baxendale.

"A relative of Frank Watkin saw the story and pictures in the Evening News on Saturday and rang me at home to tell me that he was in hospital at the moment," said Mr Baxendale.

"I had an appointment at the same hospital myself yesterday morning for a test, so while I was there I was able to call in and see Frank."