A WIDOWER has been reunited with a copy of a Max Bygraves album that he and his late wife enjoyed, thanks to an appeal in the Free Press.

Tony Falconer, 75, of Finnamore Wood, Marlow, appealed to readers to help him find a copy of his favourite Max Bygraves Singalonga Christmas tunes to help him get through the first Christmas without his wife Muriel, who died in July.

And kind-hearted Hazel Churms has answered his call.

Mrs Churms, 56, of Spinfield Mount, Marlow, contacted the Free Press on Friday and said she was a fellow Max Bygraves fan and would be delighted to make Mr Falconer a copy of her 1984 Max Bygraves album.

The Bucks, Berks and Oxon hockey umpire said: "I read his story in the paper and I would be only too pleased to do this for him.

"I have grown up with Max Bygraves all my life. My parents used to play this at Christmas time and its just a lovely album and really gets me in a festive mood."

Mrs Churms loves the album so much she said she has nearly worn out her original tape, but has made herself a copy which she now listens to.

She said: "Tapes tend to stretch a bit when you play them over and over again.

" I suppose the quality of the copy is not quite as good as the original but you can still hear the music alright."

Mr Falconer, a former groundsman for Marlow young offenders institution, was ecstatic to hear the news.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted. I am really chuffed this has made my Christmas."