THE family tree of an East Lancashire man has grown new branches after an appeal for a long-lost relative appeared in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Jack Stuttard, a former headteacher from Briercliffe Road, Briercliffe, Burnley, has spent much of his retirement tracing his family's history back to the 18th Century.

Jack decided to delve into the past after receiving a letter from another Stuttard in Leeds who was attempting to put trace details their shared family name

There were, however, a few gaps in the history and Jack was keen to speak to Harry Stuttard, a relative he had never met.

Harry had moved to Blackburn after a life in Briercliffe. Jack was unable to trace him until a family friend read about his quest in this newspaper.

A quick phone call to Harry's new home in the Scottish borders has put Jack in touch with his long lost relative.

Jack said: "I only knew that Harry was born in Briercliffe in 1919 and that his great, great grandfather James was brother to my great, great grandfather William.

"He only left Blackburn in the past 12 months, but it was lucky that someone read the newspaper and got in touch with him. They then phoned to find out where I was."

There are as yet no plans for the two to meet but a copy of the family tree is already on its way to Gretna.

"Harry is into his 80s so we won't be having a party or anything, but I've sent him the family tree and he is going to fill in some details of his side of the family."

So, the family tree keeps growing and Jack's roots are stretching back further than anticipated. The day spent labouring over records in public libraries has paid off.