RETIRED trucker Joseph Armstrong is trying to track down descendants of a family firm of Darwen hauliers.

The livery of F and W Wearing was once famous throughout the land and Mr Armstrong is the proud owner of a photograph showing a Sentinel steam driven truck and trailer belonging to the long-gone firm.

And he is anxious to ensure the framed print has a "good home" before he makes his final 'run'.

Mr Armstrong, 72, of Tait Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, was given the photo when he worked at a firm called Robert Deards in London in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

It was presented to him by Billy Wearing, his transport manager at Deards and also one half of F and W Wearing.

"Apparently Billy and his brother Fred had a falling out and that is what ended the firm," said Mr Armstrong.

" Billy was my boss when I worked in London and he gave me the photograph. I remember him telling me that the Sentinel used to do the night run from Darwen to London and at 25 miles an hour, before the motorways were built, it must have taken over 10 hours.

" It is a beautiful photo, in a frame, and I would love to give it to a member of the Wearing family or to someone who will treasure it like I have," he added.

Mr Armstrong can be contacted on 01228 631512.