HINDLEY Green's first triplets have celebrated their 50th birthday -- with a red book tribute.

Steven, Jeffrey and James Fisher's life stories were revealed by their oldest brother 52-years-old Trevor at a party for 230 to mark their big day.

The triplets were born five weeks premature at the Firs Maternity Home, in Leigh in1953 to mum Irene and dad hairdresser Jack Fisher, of Swan Lane, Hindley Green.

They came in to the world within 15 minutes. Steven weighing 4lb 11oz was first, followed 10 minutes later by Jeffrey scaling 5lb 4oz and last was James at 4lb 10oz.

They were the first triplets in living memory to be born to an Hindley Green couple and only the second born at Firs in 21 years.

Two years earlier Mrs Fisher had given birth to mixed twins but one died at the age of three months leaving Trevor.

The lads, all stalwarts of St John's Church, Hindley Green, were christened and attended school there.

They have supported the church throughout their lives and carried on the work of their uncle Alan Collier with the Boys' Brigade company, of which Steven is captain.

Lowton High School technology teacher Steven, of Tregaron Drive, and civil engineer Jeff have lived in the area all their lives and Meadowbank, Atherton, head teacher Jim has just returned from Leigh to live next door to Jeff in Skipton Avenue.

All three are married with children. Trevor lives across the border in Hindley and is a regional manager for United Utilities.

Paying tribute to the trio a church spokesman said: "Their parents would have been so proud. On behalf of St John's we wish them a belated happy birthday."