A FORMER Darlington woman has thanked The Northern Echo for helping to trace a friend.

Anne Breese lost contact with Linda Crowther, nee Simpson, six years ago.

But Mrs Breese, who now lives in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, knew Mrs Crowther had two sisters living in Darlington, and contacted The Northern Echo for help.

Following an appeal in the newspaper, one of Mrs Crowther's sisters contacted Mrs Breese and put her back in touch with her friend. They plan to meet next week.

Mrs Breese said: "Linda's sister rang on the morning the appeal went in the newspaper and I was surprised, but delighted."