.
Other school teams in the competition were Park, Primet, West Street, Bentley Street, St Philip's, Walverden and Walter Street, who all had strong teams that year.

Ken Durkin, who now lives in Low Bentham, was the proud captain of that victorious side and recalls at the end of the match at Seedhill, the Lord Street supporters invading the pitch and he himself being carried off amid joyful scenes.

Ken can remember all his team-mates on the picture from the past. Front row, left to right, are: Colin Ormerod, John Bardsley, Ken himself with the champion's shield, Stephen Hartley and Jack Tillotson. Back row, left to right are: Harold Hartley, (sportsmaster), Dennis Brooks, Jim Howarth, Victor Wood, Malcolm Birtwistle, Harry Wilkinson, Tony Rostron and David Doig (headmaster).

An outstanding player that season was ill at the time of the final and missed the photo-shoot. He was the talented Andy Webster, who went on to play for Colne Dynamoes and Bradford City.

Lord Street has, over the years, had many skilled footballers and during my happy days there from 1948 to 1954 were David Walker, who later played for Burnley and Southampton, and Peter Browne, Mel Hartley, Dave Heaton and Graham White.

Over a half-century on, in 2004, the Lord Street team had a great run of wins, including 6-1, 7-2 and 10-0 victories, in which, I'm proud to report, grandson Nathan scored five excellent goals along with Sunil Greenway (two), Luke Brooks (two) and a cracking volley into the net from Glen Morton which sealed a superb victory.

Finally, to complete our column on a footballing theme, Nathan and myself send our congratulations and best wishes to our good friend, legendary Claret and a true gent, Tommy Cummings, who is 80 not out today.