A septuagenarian man is appealing to Totnes Times readers to help find an old school pal whose last known address was in the town.

Alan Craddock, 78, has been trying to trace David George Farnsworth for the past two years, but to no avail.

He recently discovered that his former friend lived at 6 Belmont Terrace, Totnes until 20 years ago, but after that the trail runs cold.

The pair were both pupils at Chesterfield Boys Grammar and became friends while travelling together on the school bus.

As teenagers they shared a love of the countryside and enjoyed many hiking adventures to the Peak District, Lake District and Scotland where they stayed in youth hostels.

Alan and David lost touch after they left school in 1961 – David continued his studies at Liverpool University while Alan qualified as a physical education teacher at Loughborough College.

Alan said: “I am writing to ask for your help in finding an old friend, David George Farnsworth, from my school days.

“David, if he is still alive, will be around 78/79 years old.

“I have spent the past two to three years trying to trace his whereabouts and have recently discovered that he was living at an address in Totnes, at number 6 Belmont Terrace which he apparently vacated in 2002.

“Maybe one or two of your readers would remember him.

“He was a graduate of Liverpool University and had a keen interest in English literature, writing plays and poems.”

Alan explained: “David was born and brought up in the mining village of New Houghton, Derbyshire.

“Attempts to trace him through his family have been unproductive.

“I would appreciate any information your readers may be able to provide.

“We lost touch around the time he left for university, as our lives took different directions, but I know he met and married a Liverpool girl named Lynn.”

Alan who now lives in France, added: “During the Covid confinement I have been reminiscing and have thought of the happy times I shared with David.

“It is for this reason that I would like to become re-acquainted with him.”