I'VE received concrete proof that the first-ever vehicle registration number in St Helens was allotted not to some sleek pioneer limousine, but to a rather battered motorbike and sidecar.

Regular customers of this column may recall my article (October 26) about the incredible Dr Joe Unsworth, pioneer X-ray machine maker, early photographer and owner of the first car in St Helens, a 1901 Daracq.

He was perhaps understandably miffed to be beaten to the punch when registration numbers were first introduced, early last century, and he had to make do with DJ2, the second one to be issued in St Helens. Dealing with a broken-leg emergency had delayed the doc's visit to the town hall to register his car.

Now, I'm indebted to Dr Geoff Fairhurst, who was a GP in his hometown St Helens for 30 years and is an avid collector of local memorabilia, for kindly forwarding a fact-proving old photo. It was included among many pictures inherited from his grandfather, Peter Phythian, who was the first Labour Mayor of St Helens.

This historic shot shows a group of workmen, posing with a motorbike combination in front of them. Plainly displayed on the front mudguard is that legendary number, DJ1.

Almost as interesting a feature of the photo is a huge painted notice (it looks about 12ft square) dominating a background building and bearing the boldly-lettered legend 'God Bless Our Hope & Glory -- The Bonnie Prince of Wales. He Is Real Jannock.'

ANYONE able to tell us what this rush of Royal enthusiasm was all about; and what exactly jannock means?