THE spotlight falls this week on the neat, terraced house in Darwen used in a Norman Wisdom film back in 1960.

For Looking Back has traced the property that was chosen for a scene in the comedian's little-seen There Was A Crooked Man, shot nearly 50 years ago.

The house was 48, Belgrave Road, an end terrace, belonging to Tom and Margaret Mason, who just happened to be one of Norman's biggest fans and couldn't believe it when the film crew knocked on her front door.

She put together a scrap book of press cuttings and photographs to record the events that took place that June, which is now a precious keepsake for her family.

Her youngest daughter, Catherine, who lives in Blackburn, has opened its pages for readers and here are a selection of pictures showing the family with Norman during breaks in filming.

There's also a picture of a glamorous American car, driven by star Jean Clarke in the film and parked on the cobbled street outside the Mason's home.

Catherine was only five at the time, but she can still remember her mum's excitement: "She was thrilled to bits. She was in her element, for Norman was her favourite comedian and her little treat was to go to the cinema to see his films.

"I remember having to go and sit in the living room with the door shut while they filmed, but I know Norman had to cycle down the stairs, along the hallway, out of the front door and round the corner, as part of the scene."

Catherine remembers the crew from Pinewood Studios changing the front door for filming and thinks the house was chosen because of its location - on a gable end, overlooking the centre of town and with views of terraced rows in the distance.

The house was a station master's residence in the film and Darwen became the town of Smeath.

Added Catherine: "When the film was shown at the local cinema later, I do remember a big car coming to pick us up to take us there. We didn't have a car at the time, so it was a big occasion."

Filming certainly caused a frenzy of excitement in Darwen and Norman was followed by huge crowds as he toured the cobbled streets to be used as locations.

He said at the time: "It's the most friendly little town I've ever come across."

Around 250 local folk were chosen as extras, including Tom Swarbrick, of Kay Street, who became a bookie's runner for one scene. Bernard Duncanson, of Cavendish Street and his pal Graham Sage of Council Terrace, pupils of Suddell Road Secondary School, were the only two to be given speaking parts.

l Norman returned to Darwen eight years later, appearing in cabaret at Cranberry Fold, and the Masons met up with him once again, in this other photo from Margaret's scrap book.