A FADED black-and-white family snap taken in 1915 has led to the chance reunion of descendants of a legendary local figure.

Samuel Hook was a 19th-century north Kent poacher, reputed to have size 16 feet.

Two of his descendants who had never met saw a photo of him which was being used to advertise Bexley's first history fair at Hall Place, Bexley, on November 17.

And they both went along to find out more. Linda Cunningham from Eltham, a descendant of Polly who is one of the people in the photo, came to ask Stuart Bligh, who heads the council's local studies team, about the photo.

As they were talking, Elsie Pearce from Northend Road, Slade Green, who was named after Elsie in the photo, also arrived at the same table. She turned out to be Linda's aunt.

Then Roy Hawkins from Broadstairs arrived. He is the son of Ted who is also in the picture and came to the fair to find out more about his family history.

The three are now planning family get-togethers and swapping information about the family.

Mr Bligh said: "It was quite incredible these descendants should have arrived at our table simultaneously. It just shows the power of coincidence."

December 7, 2001 15:54