HOW many readers recall the sporting and athletic Gildert family, who used to live in Bedford Street, Burnley?

This photograph shows mum Nellie, with her teenage children, from left, Brenda, Brian, Thomas and Irene.

It was taken in 1962, when the four had collected more than 40 different cups and trophies.

Their proud mum always encouraged her children to take part in whatever activities they could, saying: “It develops their character and brings out the best in them.”

She and husband Thomas, senior, also believed in the right amount of discipline, without being too strict.

Brian and Brenda were twins and were then 19. Brenda was on the Youth Council for Burnley and Brian served on the committee at Sandygate Youth Club, where all four were members.

Thomas – Tommy – who was then 17 and Irene, 16, had that year been voted the club’;s most popular boy and girl.

Brian was also a marathon runner and a keen footballer.

Tommy held the title of Sandygate’s sportsman of the year and was a football, cricket and athletics enthusiast. He went on to hold the world record for press ups.

Irene was the girls’ cross country running champion of Burnley and a prize winning sprinter. The girls worked as weavers and the boys were down the pit.