A DOCTOR who was trained in Bury has written a book about his time in the town.

Dr William Goldthorp (70), details in his book, A Two Year Stretch, his experiences as a national service medical officer at Bury General and Fairfield Hospitals.

In the book, Dr Goldthorp notes one particular experience during the 18 months he spent in the area between January, 1957, and August, 1958 when he thought he was delivering twins, only to be faced by a third pair of legs!

In the book he says: "As soon as the second head was born, the midwife injected ergometrine, which makes the womb contract to a tight ball. Anything inside is crushed. But a pair of feet soon appeared."

Dr Goldthorp, who now lives in Hyde, Cheshire, had to perform a Caesarean section, his first of about 200 during his career, adding: "As I approached retirement, I began to wonder why the good Lord has not allowed women to evolve zip fasteners in their abdomens!"

The triplets that he helped to deliver at Fairfield Hospital were named Jayne, Stephen and Margaret. Dr Goldthorp is hoping that they, or someone who knows them, will read the book and let them know, so he might be able to get in touch.

He said: "It would be nice to get in touch with them and find out how they are doing."

Dr Goldthorp went on to serve around the world during his national service, and after leaving the Army became a consultant, working at Tameside Acute Unit Trust for more than 30 years.

For the last 25 years of his career he acted as a medico-legal expert for accidental injury.

He is married to Margaret and has four adult children.

The book is published by Serendipity and is priced at £16.95. It can be ordered from the publishers on 0845 1302434 or Thackerays Books on 320 4220.