This week, with FRED COUGHLIN, 79, of Hilton Road, Darwen, an Al Jolson tribute singer

JOB: I started work when I was seven. I used to get my little wooden truck out and go down to Crown Paints and fill it with wooden pallets. I paid 2d to prove I hadn't stolen the wood. My dad chopped it and bundled it up for firewood and after school I would go out and sell it until 10pm. I did that until I was 14 and worked until I was 74 -- I have never been on the dole in my life.

FOOTBALL GAME: Using some old rags from a jumble sale tied up in a knot. We used to enjoy kicking it about in the street.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE: At the top of William Street where I lived in Darwen there was a Liberal Club. I was singing Little Drummer Boy outside -- I was a boy soprano then -- and a man came out and asked who was singing. I only knew about three songs but I was asked to join John Reid's accordion band. I was with him on and off for about 18 years.

SINGING LESSONS: I went to a Mr Davies, in Highfield Road. A butcher who owned a shop in Nancy Street, Darwen, paid for my lessons because he had heard my singing and liked my voice. It was about 3s 6d, which was a lot of money.

AL JOLSON CONCERT: At the Free Gardeners' Club. They loved it. I couldn't afford make-up. Money was tight and I used to use black boot polish. Then I got a skin rash. Someone suggested using burned cork so I got bottle corks, put them in the oven and mixed them with Vaseline.

HOLIDAY: When I was 52, with my wife Miri, to Prestatyn. I entered a talent competition and brought the house down.

LOVE: A nurse called Alice Patterson. I was in short trousers until I was 18 and she bought me my first suit for 30 shillings -- she said she was fed up with seeing me in short trousers!