WITH their golden anniversary now in sharp focus, a St Helens opticians are planning a year-long celebration and seek aid from customers of this column in helping to make it a special milestone.

Howards opened for business exactly 50 years ago and now request assistance in compiling a scrapbook of information and interesting tales that anyone may be able to relate about the shop, its opticians, Mr and Mrs Marlow or the late Mr Howard.

They are also trying to unearth any information about the old building where their premises is now based, 47 Duke Street.

Putting out the plea, spokesperson Mrs D. M. Mutch explains that the celebrations will include prizes, competitions and special offers. She adds that it would be pleasing to know "if anyone has been coming to us for 50 years, or if anyone still has old receipts or specs. It would be interesting to compare prices and styles."

ANYONE able to help could contact Howards, or drop a line to Whalley's World for passing on.