WHEN 16-year-old Jack Guffogg said goodbye to his 10-year-old sister Ada, he warned her that they may never see or hear from each other again. And they never did until they were reunited by telephone after a staggering 62 years. Great-grandmother Ada Marshall, 72, of Linslade Gardens, Bolton, said today: "I can see him now walking through the door of our house in High Bank Street, Tonge Fold.

"He said 'keep your head up' and that was the end of that."

"I never saw or heard a word from him again."

But all that changed when an appeal for Ada to come forward was broadcast on Ed Stewart's Radio 2 afternoon show.

Ada didn't hear all the appeal but fortunately she heard her name and she contacted the BBC.

An operator returned her call and told her that her brother Jack was trying to trace her. Before Ada had time to digest the news, the phone rang again.

It was her long-lost brother Jack. The boy she once knew was now a great-grandfather.

A delighted Ada said: "I couldn't believe it was happening.

"He sounded just the same. A bit older but then he's aged quite a bit since I last met him."

Over the years, the pair have never forgotten about each other and when Jack's wife died two years ago he embarked on a mission to find his sister.

As a young lad, Jack, one of seven children brought up by their widowed father, found the pressures at home unbearable.

And at the age of 16, he jumped at the chance of escaping by enlisting with the army.

Speaking from his home in Kent, Jack said: "I told Ada I might never see her again because I could have been killed in the war.

"When I came out, I got a job on the railways down south. Then I got married and had children. I've never been back to Bolton since I left all those years ago, but I never forgot about Ada.

"After my wife died, my thoughts turned to Ada again and I decided to make a last ditch effort to find her.

"She could have been dead or anything but I just wanted to find out. I wanted to see her before I died."

And his wish has come true. The pair have only spoken on the phone up to now - but they are making plans to meet as soon as possible.

Ada said: "Jack is coming up here with his daughters and he's promised that we'll enjoy the biggest reunion ever. I can't wait."

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