ALL the top pop stars of the day visited Huddersfield in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Rocker Les stirred a few memories when he asked if anyone remembered who played where, with the main venues being the ABC and the Tudor Cinema.

And this week, Laurie Stead, the man who met them all, shares a few of his photographs and recollections.

Laurie has for many years been the Examiner jazz correspondent and back when Cliff and the Beatles came to town, he formed a partnership for Huddersfield Hospital Radio with Gorden Kaye, the young lad from Marsh who went on to acting stardom.

They interviewed all the stars and those who were appearing at the Tudor were often invited for tea to Laurie's home which was opposite the stage door.

Dusty Springfield took her shoes off in front of the fire, sipped tea and checked out Laurie's record collection while fans banged on the window. Rolf Harris took his wobble board with him.

Billy Fury appeared at the Tudor with Eden Kane; so did the Animals. Dave Berry, the Rolling Stones and Frank Ifield were at the ABC. Laurie and Gorden interviewed Cliff and the Shadows at the ABC twice.

And every time the pair went to see the stars, Laurie made sure he got a photograph. And he has dozens with everyone from Elkie Brooks to Helen Shapiro, and the Searchers to the Merseybeats.