READERS have come forward in their droves with memories of a thriving mid Cheshire football scene in the 1950s.

This follows a picture of Lostock Gralam Football Club featured in last week's Remember When and an appeal for more names to match the faces.

Toddy Barlow, from Wincham, submitted the original photograph, which he thought could have been taken at Witton Albion Football Club's town centre ground.

Readers have contacted the Guardian with many more players' names.

These include Chalky Hallmark, Bill Crank, Harry 'Lal' Hilditch, Ken Green, Billy Bell, Norman Gallimore, Alan Brent, Eric Molyneux and Brian Dowd.

Jim Rafferty recognised his uncle Harry Hilditch.

"Third from left is Bill Crank – it was said he grew his hair long as it was to protect a steel plate he had in his head.

"Fourth left is my uncle, the goal keeper Harry 'Lal' Hilditch.

"The family knew him as Harry but he preferred to be known when playing football as Lal after his uncle who played for Manchester United, who is still the only person to have been the permanent player manager of United, Ryan Giggs was appointed as a caretaker.

"Uncle Harry also played for the Vics and was a long time player and then manager of Norley.

"His las involvement in football was as secretary/manager of Witton Albion for whom his father, my grandfather, played between the wars."

Jennifer Tickle contacted us about her dad Billy Bell.

"He's been in the Guardian before because he played for Vics and ICI," she said.

"They were well into their sports and things like that then.

"He worked at ICI and his full name was William Arthur Bell, but he was known as Billy Bell."

Ted Betts said: "On the bottom right is Alan Brent – his father Ted used to run the Spinner and Bergamot.

"I used to live in Cogshall and you got to know the people in the village."

George Ashbrook said: "I played with a lot of these players in later years.

"I started my career with Lostock Gralam Juniors in 1948 when I was 15 years of age.

"I have photographs of myself playing for Witton Albion in 1953/54, the year they won three cups – the Cheshire County League, the Cheshire Challenge Cup and the Northwich Senior Cup.

"I made my debut for Witton Albion at Stockport County in 1952 at the age of 18.

"I played until I went into the forces."

He added: "Lostock Gralam were a fair side – the other team at the time were Rudheath, they had a good team.

"There was a lot of local interest in football and a lot of local teams around at that time – it was a fantastic era.

"It's a pity wages in those days weren't as good as they are today.

"There were some better players in those days than what are playing today."

If you have a picture of days gone by to share with Remember When readers ring chief reporter Gina Bebbington on 01606 813624 or email gina.bebbington@nqnw.co.uk