TIME for us to delve through our archives to look back at the week that was.

25 years ago A mum prepared a birthday party for her son while he fought on the front line of the Gulf War.

Presents had been bought and a map used to track the soldier’s progress while his parents at home worried whether he was eating properly and if he was bored in the desert.

The Great Sankey soldier had been in the forces since 1988, fulfilling his ambition to drive trucks after passing a special driving test while on tour.

His mum said: “I just want him home again for his 21st birthday so that we can have a good party.”

50 years ago The archbishop of Liverpool opened an extension that enabled the whole of St Alban’s Roman Catholic School to be housed in one building on Bewsey Road.

Parents and parishioners packed into the school hall in order to hear the archbishop, Dr GA Beck, speak about the importance of family in a child’s education.

Also present were the mayor and mayoress, the chief constable and several local councillors and ministers, who gave thanks for the funding.

Built for more than £50,000, the extension included four new classrooms, a kitchen, and a combined dining room and hall.