A FORMER serviceman is looking for an old friend he met when they did their National Service.

Derek Brocklesby, who lives in Banbury, Oxfordshire, wants to get in touch with anyone from Darlington who was called up for National Service in 1945.

He is especially keen to be reunited with his friend, Frankie, who will be in his 70s.

The pair trained in the light infantry for eight weeks before being posted to different parts of the world.

Mr Brocklesby said: "I never saw Frankie again but would love to get back in touch.

"I don't know his surname or anything else about him. We were 18 when we were called up to do our National Service.

"We spent eight weeks at the headquarters and then we never saw each other again.

"It would be great to hear from anyone who trained with me."

Mr Brocklesby can be contacted on (01295) 711069.

Another appeal to the Tracer column in The Northern Echo has ended in success.

Carol Rogan, of Blackpool, Lancashire, wanted information about her mother's cousin, John Carr, was on the warship HMS Hood when it was sunk by the German battleship Bismark in 1941.

Following an appeal in the Tracer column, Mrs Rogan was contacted by John Carr's sister and other family members.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when they phoned.

"I have sent letters to them and they have sent me lots of photos.

"I hope we can meet up soon and am very grateful to The Northern Echo for their help."

Please visit Tracer