AN appeal for information about famous rag and bone man Valderee finally came to an end when his son helped open an art exhibition.

Artist Bob Lakey, 70, couldn't believe it when he got in touch with 54-year-old Kenneth Thompson -- the son of the well-known Tommy Thompson -- after asking Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers for information to accompany his painting of the man.

Kenneth, of Bellfield Road, Accrington, read the appeal and was only too pleased to help rekindle memories of his father and open the exhibition at Darwen Library, which features other Darwen characters such as boxer Billy Brennan and legendary strong man Billy Hunt.

He also brought along the dusty brown hat and belt full of badges that Valderee is remembered for.

Mr Lakey said: "I can't believe the interest all this has created. It's been phenomenal and certainly nothing I expected.

"I'm really glad Ken could make it. Everybody knew his father and they all had good things to say about him."

The exhibition will be on show until September 9.