BACK in the 1950s the lads’ brigade had units all over the country.

It is still around as the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade, although its prominence in the Huddersfield area has declined as other youth groups have grown and flourished.

But Norman Mellor from Meltham came across this old photograph of his days in the Netherton and South Crosland Church Lads’ Brigade. He was about 12 at the time and lived in Netherton.

He reckons the photograph was taken in 1948 or 1949.

The leaders on the photograph are Jimmy Peckett (top left) and Roy Jepson (top right).

Norman – who is pictured just in front of Mr Jepson – said: “I think I ended up joining because I used to pass Mr Peckett’s house and he persuaded me to join. You could only join if you attended church.”

Mr Peckett had flown on Lancaster bombers during the war until a crash brought his flying career to a sudden end.

“He broke his back and had subsequent health problems all his life,’’ said Norman, who is now 74. “He had to wear a corset to give him extra support.’’

Mr Jepson was a thespian, a founder of Honley theatre and produced plays there. Both men were involved with the church.

There are also identical twins on the picture – but they are at either end of the middle row with George Dodson on the left and Edward Dodson on the right.