A FIFE man is calling on Alloa residents to help him track down a long-lost friend from his National Service days, ahead of his 80th birthday.

John Robertson, from Balmullo, has spent years reminiscing about his old pal "Jock" Carrick, from Clacks, whom he met between 1958-1960.

His daughter Joyce told the Advertiser: "My dad will be 80 in March, and I think that has triggered a lot of things.

"He's getting on and says things like: 'I'm on my last days', so he's probably starting to feel his age.

"But he has always spoken about this lad Jock that he met when they were both between 19 and 20."

John and Jock served their time in the National Service with the Royal Tank Regiment at Hobart Barracks in Detmold, Germany.

The pair were both drivers, both Scottish, and both nicknamed Jock – which may not, indeed, be his illusive pal's real first name.

Joyce added: "They were best buds and they were really close.

"Now, my dad has a great sense of humour, but doesn't tolerate fools – so Jock must have been just like dad.

"They would meet up everyday to socialise, though they really couldn't afford to go to the local pubs much because they were only earning 10 shillings a week."

Sadly, since returning from Germany John has not heard from Jock, and only knows that he lived near Alloa and had the surname Carrick.

His family are now pleading with Clacks residents who might have known Jock to come forward so the pair can finally meet up again.

Joyce said: "Jock would be nearly 80 now like my dad, and we know he might not even be alive.

"But even if there was a family member like a wife or a brother around then they could help us.

"They could get in touch so dad could chat and have a laugh about Jock, their time in the National Service and even just share stories."

Anyone who may know "Jock" Carrick or a family member can get in touch by emailing editorial@alloaadvertiser.co.uk, or by calling 01259 230 637.