WHEN the British Film Industry (BFI) released footage of a 1902 procession of firemen on its website, it thought the location might be Scotland.

After watching it, however, London-based television composer and writer Michael Burdett turned detective to find out just where it had been filmed.

And despite having no connection with Lancashire, it took him very little time to realise that it was, in fact, Nelson and he has informed the BFI.

“When I saw the footage of a procession in an unknown town I became intrigued and wondered if I could work out where it was.

“I researched the road names from the shop front – Scotland Road and Russell Street – and it pointed to Nelson as they abut each other.

“Researching the 1901 census I found that living at 35, Scotland Road, Nelson was one William Widdup who was a furnisher.

“His son David lived there, too and he was a furniture dealer – the shop in the film is most likely Widdup’s shop as I suspect the ‘Will’ that you can see in the top left corner is the start of his name.

“Also I discovered that there was a game dealer in Nelson called George Leach in 1901 – you can see his awning on the bottom left of the screen.”

Added Michael: “I really enjoy putting people in touch with their past.

“It would be really rewarding if someone from Nelson were to recognise one of their forebears in this magnificent film.”

Michael has sent us the link, so that Bygones readers can watch the film for themselves and see Nelson come to life from more than 100 years ago. See it online at http://player.bfi .org.uk/ player/ h1bGE1ZTquPop8e7NpQiKqM1C3oj4lTg/prNmgzZTo58wnlnLqjKW4ucOrubx5KPx.