A THOUGHTFUL son is helping his parents look forward to the new year after suffering a difficult 2004.

Alan Shepherd nominated mum and dad Pat and Arthur Shepherd, of Riddings Close, Deighton, for the Examiner's Christmas Wish campaign.

He thought they deserved a special treat after caring for, and then losing both their fathers in September.

Arthur Shepherd (senior) died at his Mexborough, near Doncaster, home on September 10 and John Lea, of Golcar, died suddenly in hospital just three days later. The couple also lost their mothers, Maime Shepherd and Doreen Lea, within six months in 2002.

Alan, 17, said: "Mum and dad have had a difficult couple of years and have cared for, and lost, both sets of their parents. They deserve something to get 2005 off to a better start."

The Examiner and Huddersfield Pendragon Round Table, which jointly runs the campaign, decided the couple deserved a special meal for two after all their caring work.

And Bradley's Restaurant in Huddersfield was only too pleased to support the campaign by giving them vouchers to enjoy a meal in the new year.

Mrs Shepherd, 46, said: "Alan is a very thoughtful and caring son. It has been a difficult time. I was out Christmas shopping last week and saw something which my mum would have liked and ended up in tears.

"We will be having a traditional family Christmas though with Alan, our three daughters and seven grandchildren. It will be a full house - but that's the way I like it."