THIS photograph of Kingswear boys on Goodrington beach over 65 years ago has brought back fond memories for North Devon couple Viv and Mike Short.

Mr Short was brought up in Kingswear where he knew Peter Watts, who is pictured on the right.

Mr Watts died last year in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, aged 85, but never forgot his roots. Shortly before his death he sent this photograph to Mr and Mrs Watts in Instow. Taken around 1947-48, it also shows Terry Satchell, second left, and possibly Doug Roper or Edward ‘Spud’ Hopper on the left.

Even after emigrating several years ago, Mr Watts, a merchant seaman, still kept in touch with several friends back home.

He came to settle with his family in Kingswear from North Benfleet, Essex, during the Second World War, and his love and interest for the village remained throughout his life.

Mr Watts and his future wife, May, met as teenagers and they were married for 63 years. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Crisp of Kingswear.

With two small boys, the couple decided life had more to offer in New Zealand and they were there for several years and had a third son before they moved again to Australia.

They visited England twice. One occasion was when May’s father died around 1980.

Long-standing friends Viv and Mike Short said Peter’s memory of his friends and life in Kingswear was incredible.