MAY I lift my glass of celebration bubbly to toast the loyal followers of this homespun page, which has proudly picked up its latest award - the 12th during its 30-year Whalley's World run in the Star.

I've just become privileged to lift the prize for Features Writer of the Year at the Newsquest Cheshire and Merseyside editorial awards ceremony at the Birchwood Centre, Warrington, picking up a framed certificate, small ceremonial shield, bottle of wine and a cheque in the process.

Genuine

But much of that success must be shared with countless others. So take a bow all you nostalgia-lovers, local history buffs, northern dialect experts, yedscratter fans and the rest of those long-memoried, witty, wise and wonderful folk who have forwarded a constant stream of helpful information, intriguing old pictures and anecdotes over the past three decades.

Your feedback has helped create a genuine 'page of the people'.

That's why I'm about to uncork the champagne bottle.

Come to think of it, there are so many of you to toast that I might even crack open a case of the stuff!