COUSINS living thousands of miles apart have been reunited by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph after more than 30 years.

Last Tuesday, we carried the story of Janet Changfoot and her unique African teddy bears which are being marketed worldwide.

Pensioner Edith Fairburn didn't recognise the name but the photograph looked just like her cousin's wife, Ethel.

And when she read through the story about Janet, from East London, South Africa, she discovered she was Ethel's daughter.

Edith discovered her cousin Alan, who used to live in the Burnley Lane area, was still alive and living with his daughter.

Edith contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to ask for Janet and Alan's address and, thanks to the e-mail system, she has now been able to telephone her cousin and he has written her a letter.

Edith, of Ashiana House, Railway Street, Nelson, said: "It was wonderful to speak to him. It has been more than 30 years since I have seen him and I have never met Janet.

"He is coming over here at the end of May and he has said he will come and see me. I am delighted to have been reunited with him."

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