My first job: Alan Steele

IN 1960, at the age of 13, I passed the medical examination at Hanley Town Hall and was issued with the card and blue-and-gold badge that entitled me to work as a newspaper delivery boy

For delivering the Sentinel from Monday to Saturday, as well as the Sunday morning papers, I was paid the princely sum of 12s 6d (62p), which rose eventually to 15s (75p).

We used to congregate at the roadside at about 4.45pm to await the arrival of the blue Sentinel van. The van's door would slide open and the bundle of Sentinels would be flung out on to the pavement.

Two of us would carry them into the shop for counting out before departing like bees from the hive to deliver our precious cargo, which usually took about an hour.

Christmas was one of the highlights of the year as we used to get tips from most of our customers which helped buy presents for mum and dad. Another perk was being able to read the latest comic for free on our delivery round.

However, the biggest treat of the year was the annual North Staffordshire paper boys' trip on Good Friday. In the early 60s there were no papers at all on Good Friday so it was our day off.

I remember delivery boys and girls from our shop gathering on the platform of Meir Station to await the steam train, picking up at all stations to Kidsgrove and eventually arriving in Blackpool.

We were then whisked off for lunch at the Winter Gardens where there would be a raffle. I can remember winning a cricket bat which I carried around Blackpool for the rest of the day.

After lunch we were set free in Blackpool with instructions to be back at the station in time for the journey home.

Can you imagine hundreds of 13 and 14-year-olds being set free in Blackpool today unchaperoned?

So it was off to the pleasure beach with our delivery buddies and for most it would be the first time at a holiday destination without our parents (heaven).

A good time was had by all before our final journey home.

It was an early start next day delivering the with Saturday morning papers, but I wasn't on duty until Saturday evening so I could lie in and dream of the day in Blackpool which will stay in the memory forever.