A WOMAN is calling on the detective skills of Star readers to help track down a long, lost relative.

Lilian Whittle, who has family links with St Helens, received the best Christmas present of her life in the shape of Tom Owen, a great uncle she didn't even know existed until recently.

However, she also learnt that Tom has a brother, christened Edward Brian Owen, who was adopted at the age of one.

Lilian, from Bolton, told the Star: "It all started late last year when I decided to try and find out where my maternal grandmother, Elsie Owen, was buried.

"I knew she had died very young from cancer -- she was only 28 -- and her family, the Kays, originated from St Helens.

"Eventually, I found out that she had been buried in St Helens but, completely unknown to me, she hadn't just had the one child -- my mum Lily, but two boys as well, Tom and Edward.

"Elsie had married my grandad and moved to his home in Bolton, where she had my mum but then they split up and she returned to St Helens alone.

"She gave birth to Edward in November, 1933, and Tom a year later and I think their father's name was Edward Vaughan, whom Elsie was living with.

"Sadly, she died a few months after Tom's birth and the babies were separated then. Tom was taken in by a foster family while Edward's birth certificate says he was adopted."

She added: "I have managed to make contact with a cousin who still lives in St Helens but he doesn't know where Edward is to be found.

"I have two brothers and two sisters and we lost our mum, Lily, a few years ago so, sadly, she never got to meet her brother, but it has been wonderful to find a long lost relative.

"The only thing that would complete it for us all would be to find Edward as well."

IF you are Edward Owen or know where he is, you can contact Lilian Whittle on 01942 819641.