A RETIRED policeman living in America has launched an investigation - to trace his Darwen relatives.

Charles Shropshire's mother, Clara Moore, was born in Darwen on January 11, 1892, and lived there until 1911 before emigrating to America to start a new life.

Clara was born in Perry Street and is believed to have worked in one of the many mills in Darwen in the early 1900s.

After 35 years in the Detroit Police Department, American-born Charles decided to trace his roots through Darwen websites.

He has received help in his search from John Titherington, 55, of St John's Avenue, Darwen.

John, a Darwen ambulanceman, said: "I started talking to Charles on an ambulance website and I really wanted to help him track down any people who might have known his mother or his uncle, Ben Moore, who still lives in England. I've been trying to help him for two years, with no luck, and I'm just hoping that someone might see the photograph and recognise something important."

Charles's cousin, Frank Eccles, was also born in Darwen but died in October this year after serving as a lieutenant colonel in the US army.

Charles said: "My mother told me she had to go to work in the mill when she was 11 or 12 and she sailed from Liverpool to Boston on the Cunard Line which took her over to start a new life. If anyone recognises the photo I'd really like them to get in touch."

People can contact John Titherington on 01254 701693 if they can help.