TWO cousins who used to live in Haslingden have been reunited thanks to two local websites -- even though they both now live in the Antipodes!

And although John McGuire is now living in Melbourne, Australia, he used the Haslingden sites to trace his cousin Jim Berry only to find he now lives in Auckland New Zealand.

Haslingden Community Website -- www.haslingden.org.uk -- was set up by Action for Haslingden andis helping to reunite people from all over the world.

Surfers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States regularly use the site's guest book and discussion forum to post messages and find information.

When the Rossendale Partnership, based in Bacup, took over from Action for Haslingden the organisation began receiving e-mail inquiries to help trace relatives and so Haslingden Roots was asked to help.

The local voluntary group which helps people trace ancestors has now led to several families being reunited.

Jackie Ramsbottom, of Haslingden Roots, said: "We have brought six Haslingden families together in the last 12 months, three of these families through Haslingden Community Website."

John McGuire left Haslingden for Australia in 1964 seeking adventure. He kept in touch with his cousin Hilda Taylor who now lives in Weston-super-Mare.

He has now spoken to his other cousin Jim Berry who is in New Zealand after he also logged on to the website.

John, 59, an accounts manager, said: "I stumbled across the Haslingden community website while browsing. The site is very informative and brought back many memories.

"I was thrilled that my subsequent inquiry eventually provided me with Jim's address. I would have loved to see the expression on his face when I phoned him, but I could tell by the way he said 'Oh aye' when I introduced myself that he was suitably impressed.

"Auckland isn't that far from Melbourne so I should think we'll get together soon.

"Haslingden Roots are continuing to be very helpful with my research into the McGuire family."

Haslingden Roots assists with genealogy inquiries free of charge and has access to many resources including the 1901 census database of Haslingden families.

Current names being researched include Lynsky, Busky, Chew and Jackson families and Sydney Eastwood.

Anyone with information about the families can contact 01254 394794 or visit the Haslingden Roots page on www.haslingden- roots.freeserve.co.uk.