HIS folk-song classic, A Mon Like Thee, has survived for the best part of a century. Yet little seems to be known of Lanky twang songsmith Edmund Hill, except that he was a Kentish miner who came to live in St Helens and apparently fell in love with the heavy northern dialect then prevailing in these parts.

His name is thrust into the spotlight by Chris Coffey of the Sutton Historic Society who is keen to learn more about the old-timer whose keynote song keeps alive the spirit of owd Lancashire.

Chris's curiosity was roused after an enjoyable visit to the St Helens Theatre Royal to see two of his favourite acts, The Oldham Tinkers and Bernard ('The Bolton Bullfrog') Wrigley, part of a tiny minority still promoting old Lancashire songs and tales.

He later tuned in to the Andy Kershaw radio show, part of which was recorded in a pub where the session began with their traditional opener, A Mon Like Thee, describing the natural friendliness of Lancashire people towards strangers.

Chris promptly dug out a CD, bought on his Theatre Royal visit, and examined the sleeve notes. Hill's gradely masterpiece, it confirmed, was a popular song in the First World War trenches 90 years ago. Since then, it's continued to this day as a popular taproom number in the more traditional parts of Lancashire.

Chris signs off by confessing that he hadn't recalled ever seeing previous mention of Edmund Hill, and any local knowledge that customers of this page could supply would be most welcome.