WAS the creator of the first domestic burglar alarm a modest, richly talented St Helens man who hit on the idea back in 1938?

That's the pre-war question raised from a piece of newspaper clipping found among the memorabilia of Jack Ellaby.

His 'home air-raid siren' is prominently featured, with a picture of the inventive Jack busy at work.

The clipping is now owned by his daughter, Pat Reid, but it bears no date and she's curious to know which national publication carried the account, taken when Jack (born in 1898) was aged 40.

Jack, an avid reader, had a creative education. But this relative of the old Saints wonder, Alf Ellaby, chose to work down the pit and later at a brickworks. He died in 1962, aged 64.

But Jack's talent spread wide, creating wireless crystal sets and, among other tasks, repairing radiograms.

Now a grandmother, Pat was born in 1937 when her dad's skills were at their peak. Now she's wondering whether there is someone among our readers who could expand upon her knowledge of him.

H IF so, please drop a line to Whalley's World.