AN Australian man traced his roots back to Lytham on the Internet and has made the 12,000 miles journey 'home' to find out about his mother.

Michael Harding was separated from his mother, Grace Connaught Reid (nee Kelly), at an early age and never really knew her.

Michael, who thought his mother had died when he was three, in 1936, found Grace had been living at Manor House Farm, Ballam Road from 1946 until her death in 1966.

He looked up Lytham on the Internet from his home in Melbourne. One of the sites that flashed up was the Pure Gold Links for Fylde page, where local computer expert Fred Moor is publishing a directory of all the Internet websites in the Fylde area.

Using E-mail from Australia, Michael has been in touch with Fred and other website owners in the Fylde, searching for people who might have known his mother. Now he has come over in person to try to find out more.

Michael, a management consultant, said: "I would especially like to meet any friends, neighbours or business associates of my late mother who knew her when she lived with her second husband, Robert Fergus Reid, a director of Reilor Ltd in Preston until his death in 1977.

"She was interested in all matters equestrian and was described as an actress on my birth certificate.

"Any contacts that could now be established among those who, unlike me, knew my mother would be most appreciated."

Michael is staying at the Lindum Hotel, 63/67 South Promenade, Lytham until April 7 where you can phone him on 721534.

Fred Moor says he is happy to relay messages to Michael. Anyone can contact him on 728047.

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