PETER Fell's brother Paul Davies welcomed the news that the conviction had been quashed -- and vowed to set up a family reunion to celebrate.

Paul, 36, of Edgeside, Great Harwood, has been in regular contact with Peter.

He said: "It is absolutely superb news and it should have happened a long time ago. I am absolutely over the moon for Peter.

"This is the first day of the rest of his life. I am so pleased for him."

Paul and Peter were taken into care when they were just toddlers after their parents divorce. Their mother Ann is from Accrington but the family lost touch with her a number of years ago.

In December the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reunited Paul with their sister Julie-Ann Clough of Padiham. Paul and Peter had not seen her for 25 years.

Then the pair vowed they would complete their sibling reunion once Peter had cleared his name.

Today Paul said: "I think it will be a few weeks before we can meet up, but we definitely will do and have a few drinks together.

"I don't know what Peter plans to do for the future, but last time I spoke to him he told me he was looking at property so I think he is planning to stay down south.

"As for jobs I don't know what he will do as he will probably have to have counselling and training. But that is all in the future."