IT was pure coincidence that I stumbled across www.thisislancashire.co.uk on the Internet and found myself reading The Journal for the first time in many years. I would just like to say how nice it is to be able to dip into your selection of local news -- keep up the good work!

Born in 1958, I have lived in Germany for the past 25 or so years and was surprised last year to see just how much Leigh has changed in that time, in some cases beyond recognition. The new bypass and the removal of landmarks has made a big difference.

I must say though that I was moved almost to tears to see how Westleigh (I used to live not far from the now demolished Wesleyan Church) has become rundown and dilapidated recently. It would be nice to hear from anyone who still knows me, particularly from the last year at Leigh Boys' Grammar School before it went comprehensive.

Alan Goodwin

Doppstr. 53

33397 Rietberg

Germany