HOW nice to see the picture of Richard and Anne Preston with your story about haulage firm Prestons of Potto marking 50 years in business (Echo, Aug 16). I was pleased to see how well they looked.

I worked for the Preston family from August 1960 to June 1964. I drove a long distance wagon, an AEC Mercury, WVN 89, and Richard drove a tipper lorry.

When I left -only to start working for myself - Prestons were just getting their first articulated wagon.

Richard's parents were the nicest people anyone could meet. They treated me like a son. Mrs Preston's teas were something to remember.

Richard and Anne are still friends and send me and my wife a Christmas card each year. I have happy memories of working for R Preston & Son, as it was then called.

David Sutcliffe, Barnard Castle.