BOBBY'S wife Josey Pickles has produced an old-fashioned guide for the local boys in blue after going on the beat to find out about modern computers.

Now her new street directory "The Policeman's Friend" is to set to go on sale throughout Bolton.

Husband Greg dreamed up the idea of the guide when former lollipop lady Josey decided she wanted to learn about new technology.

His pocket Allison's Street Directory was falling apart after over 20 years constant use but the booklet went out of print in 1976.

The husband and wife team decided to produce their own version of the once popular book which does not rely on maps and works on different principles to the modern A to Z.

Greg explained: "I bought mine when I first started on foot patrol in the town centre.

"The books were very popular at the time and sold out within days. New recruits are always asking me where they can get hold of one because they are quick and easy to use.

"When my wife decided she wanted to familiarise herself with computers I thought pulling one together would be good training."

The couple spent 18 months trawling through town hall records to produce the Policeman's Friend which covers Bolton and surrounding towns and Greg even drew the picture on the front.

Already the guide is proving a hit with bobbies and cabbies in the town and has gone on sale at various points including the BEN reception.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.