DUTCHMAN Hans Hofman who was sent to Hazlemere from his war-torn homeland in 1946 has expressed thanks to villagers for their kindness.

Mr Hofman, 66, of Vlaardingen, Holland, wrote to the Free Press after long-lost pal Alan Page, of Curzon Avenue, Hazlemere, sent him a recent Memories story about their coincidental reunion in Hazlemere at the beginning of March.

"I was surprised to read my name in an English newspaper and it brought all the memories back of the ten months I spent in Hazlemere as a ten-year-old boy," said Mr Hofman.

"There I was, a young boy with not a word of English being given afternoon tea by the kind Mrs Neville. As I ate a piece of cake I learned my first English word nice!"

He stayed with the Neville family in Chestnut Lane and quickly made friends with the White family who lived next door.

"Jim White taught me how to drink shandy in the pub, I met Alan Page and I visited Hazlemere Church, where I met the kind Reverend Prince," he said.

He told of the bizarre event which led him to make contact with Mr Page.

"I saw a man on Sky television by the name of Alan Page and immediately set about finding out if he was the Alan I'd known all those years ago," he said.

"When I reached Alan he remembered me as if it was yesterday."

He now wants to locate his host family, the Nevilles, who he believes emigrated to Africa many years ago.

"Most of all I'd like to say thank you to the heart-warming folk of Hazlemere who treated me so well when I was a lonely undernourished young boy. I have never forgotten their kindness," he said.

If you can help Mr Hofman track down the Neville family, contact Memories reporter Michelle Fleming on (01494) 755151