A SON is desperate to reunite his dying father with friends he hasn't seen for 20 years.

Michael Shone, 75, is suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases and has less than a year to live.

The disease has left his memory ravaged and his son, Mickey, 35, says all he can recall is his time as a continental lorry driver in the early 1980s.

Now he wants to trace four men with whom his father was close so they can have a reunion and give him something to enjoy in his final year.

He said: "This would be something so special for him.

"He'd love to reminisce with them because he can remember all of those days even if he cannot remember yesterday."

The men all worked together at Lewisham firm Robinson's Hauliers Ltd between 1981 and 1985.

Mr Shone joined the Thurston Road firm after being made redundant from competing hauliers F Francis and Sons of Blackheath Hill.

The firm's Irish owner, Harry Robinson, who was also landlord of the former Roebuck pub in Rennell Street, Lewisham, became a close friend of Mr Shone until they had a falling out in 1985.

Now Mickey Shone wants to track down Mr Robinson and four other drivers from the New Cross, Lewisham, Deptford and Brockley area.

The men are Mickey Anderson, aged around 50, Jimmy Mullis, aged 55 to 60, Tony Salsese, an Italian with a London accent aged around 50, and Johnny Morgan, aged around 80.

The father-of-four, of Deacon Street, Elephant and Castle, drove lorries for more than 40 years and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 10 years ago when he first retired.

His son, who accompanied his father on trips into Europe, added: "I know if they see my dad they'll be shocked.

"He used to be a big strong guy but I know it would give him great pleasure.

"These guys were very important to Dad and that's why the memories have stuck with him for so long."

If you are one of Mr Shone's friends or know them, call 01689 885712.