ABOUT 18 months ago I got in touch with the Echo to help me find a long-lost pal from RAF service days in 1947. Having searched everywhere, I got in touch with the Echo, as I knew my friend had lived in Bournemouth when we last saw each other.

Within hours, my note had been paged in the Bournemouth Echo, and not only did I hear immediately from retired magistrate Sid Barber, but goodness knows how many other of his friends had been in touchwith him to let him know I was on the warpath.

Yesterday I learned that our short reunion days were at an end; he had passed away last week.

Thank you, again, I shall never forget the part your paper played in our reunion, albeit a short one.

DAVID ALSTON, South Hill Road, Bromley