THE hunt is on to find former soldiers of the Green Howards 2nd Battalion for a 50th anniversary celebration.

It is being held to mark the formation of the battalion at Streatlam Camp, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on April 3, 1952.

Organisers are searching for Wally Hadden, Pete Dawson and any ex-platoon lads who served in Egypt and Cyprus from 1953 to 1955.

The event will be held at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington, on April 6 next year.

Anyone who would like to attend can contact Bob Turner, on (01904) 783158, or Lofty Heron, on (01912) 679576.

Other people trying to trace lost friends, relatives and old Army pals include:

l Sheila Wharton, of Whitley Bay. Ms Wharton is searching for anyone related to or who knew her late grandmother, Ethel Brown, who was born in Railway Cottages, Brancepeth, County Durham, in about 1890. She later moved to North Shields where she died in 1946.

She had two older sisters, Emily and Margaret (known as Maggie) and a brother called James (known as Jim). Anyone with information can contact her at 156 Closefield Grove, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE25 8SU.

l Stella Hames, of North Devon. Ms Hames is looking for any local historians or photographers who may be able to provide copies of photos or postcards of Durham around the end of the 19th Century. In particular she would like pictures of Durham Cathedral, St Oswald's and St Nicholas' Church, The Refreshment Rooms and the park overlooking Durham City. She can be contacted on (01271) 338135 or by e-mail at shamesl.com