A FORMER Hendon man has launched a search to find his first girlfriend more than 55 years after the couple broke up.

Leslie George, who is now over 80, emigrated to California and now has a wife and children there, but is keen is keen to find his sweetheart Joan Dudley who he split up with in 1954.

Now he has hired a private detective agency to track down Ms Dudley, although Paul Scott, the investigator in charge of the case has admitted it is a tough challenge.

He said: “We have checked all the usual records and even death certificates but have so far had no luck.

“We have tracked down a Joan Dudley who got married at Hendon Registry Office in 1960 to Elias Taylor but the trail goes cold there.

“Most of the time we're successful, but obviously it's really difficult when we just have a maiden name. Everybody in the office is desperate to find her.”

Mr George believes Joan was born in August 1929 and lived in Woodside, Barnet and worked for the Tote betting services.

Mr Scott said: “They met in 1950 and were going steady for a couple of years then she just ended it all of a sudden.

“He decided to emigrate to Canada, but when he was preparing he met her again on the street and seemed very upset when she found out what he was doing.

“When he left he did send several letters, but never got replies.”

Anyone who knew Joan Dudley is asked to contact Mr Scott on 07531 597 852 or email info@mikeelennyinvestigation.com.