THE Bright lights of performing success were on the horizon for Barrow singing sisters Brenda and Linda Lee 50 years ago.

They appeared in the Evening Mail on February 2 in 1967 to talk about their blossoming career as professional entertainers.

The article noted: "A dream come true is how Brenda and Linda Lee, of Hare Lane, Barrow, see their new career on the stage of nightclubs and institutes in the North West. "

The previous week, Brenda, aged 20, put the cover on her typewriter at Vickers Clinic for the last time, while her younger sister, Linda, said goodbye to colleagues at solicitor John Denby's office, where she has been a typist.

The article noted: "Their dreams and ambitions started to come true during the Christmas holidays, when another of Barrow's young singing stars Annette Hylton, came home to see her parents and sister Suzanne at Abbey Road.

"With Annette was her manager Derek Oultram and during their stay in Barrow, Annette persuaded him to pay a visit to Her Majesty's Theatre, where the Lee sisters appeared for one night with The Roadruuners.

"Mr Oultram was impressed with the girls and immediately offered them a professional contract, starting with a cabaret tour of the Northern clubland.

"Their present list of engagements will take them to Bolton and Wigan casinos, Manchester's Wishing Well and Palladium, Garrick Club, Leigh Candlelight, Afton Palace and Oceans 11.

"A new singing career has meant virtually a new wardrobe for the girls."

Brenda started singing with Rene Rawlinson's dancing troupe and accompanied herself on the ukulele.

Later she joined Edgar Cullen's concert party and taught herself to play guitar, piano and accordion.

Around 1961 she was joined by her sister and they built up a a collection of songs.

In January 1965 they won a talent contest held at Barrow's 99 Club in Dalkeith Street