A COLLECTOR of military memorabilia has restored a piece of British Army history. John Brown bought a Norton Big 4 633cc motorbike and sidecar in Stockport.

The owner had lost interest in it, but John, who has an enviable collection of Army memorabilia, has lovingly restored it.

The hairdresser, who runs John's in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, spent months meticulously returning the bodywork to its original condition.

About 3,000 of the bikes were built and used by the Army until 1942.