A FORMER Leigh pensioner was heartbroken when she saw the love of her life vanish into the swirling depths of an Australian river.

Amelia Ditchfield, now 79, had carried a photograph of her wartime love in her purse for almost 50 years.

But she dropped it while leaving a ferry.

Now she is appealing to anyone in the area who may still have a photograph of William (Billy) Yates, who lived in Yates Row, off Sandy Lane, Lowton.

He was killed in 1940 shortly after joining up for war service.

A desperate Amelia, who lives in Queensland, Australia, said: "In 1940 we were so happy and had planned to get married on his next leave from the Army. He had not been in long when he and some of his platoon were killed.

"I had taken his photoghraph the day before he went, and it was the only thing I had left of him.

"I went to live in Australia and did get married again, but my only true love was Billy, and he has been in my heart for all these years. I never let anyone see the photo except my husband, and he was so good.

"When I lost it overboard I was devastated, but the purse couldn't be retrieved as the water is too deep.

"I know I am asking the impossible, But I have to try. I just want another picture. He was so handsome, He had blond hair and blue eyes and I still cry whenever I think of him."

If anyone thinks they might have a picture of Billy contact The Journal newsdesk on 01942-672241.

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