From the Guide files of Friday, January 25, 1980: EMPLOYEES at Prestwich Post Office said goodbye to one of their colleagues with a silver tea service and cheque.

Postman Frederick Banks (65) completed 25 years on the round and hung up his bag to take things easier in retirement.

l STAFF at Sedgley Park Police Training College filed a missing person report of their own after Sid, the police cat went walkabout. The black and white moggy was last seen patrolling with his brother, Joe, but staff feared someone must have decided to take him in thinking he was a stray.

l A RETIRED police officer regained his taste for the job after foiling an attempted house burglary. Mr F. Postlethwaite was cutting through Prestwich Clough on his way to the village when he spotted four youths acting suspiciously near a house in St Anns Road. He approached them and ended up grappling one to the ground until the police arrived.

l THE average cost of a council house in the borough bought by a sitting tenant was £5,591. This price took into consideration the discount offered to residents based on the number of years they had rented their home.

l THE outline of a new sports hall at Prestwich High School was taking shape on the Heys site. A teaching block, science and craft facilities, kitchen, dining and social areas were to be provided in the first part of the development scheduled to be finished in October. The sports hall and tennis courts were due to be completed later, by the spring of 1981, at a cost of more than £1 million.