PENSIONER Daniel Cunningham believes he has traced the roots of the district's pioneering motor-bus service.

Dan (79) from Kensington Avenue, Sherdley Park, writes: "In my youth I saw garages on land next to Sutton Manor Colliery, for buses to and from St Helens.

"Now, I have recently discovered that this was the first service of its kind in the area - the rest of the St Helens transport system having been tramways."

He says that this St Helens & District Motor Service Ltd. was registered on January 13, 1915, and adds: "Could any of your readers provide memories of the service, which was a milestone in our local history?"

ANYONE able to oblige could kindly write to: Whalley's World, St Helens Star, YMCA Buildings, Duke Street, St Helens WA10 2HZ.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.