Molly couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘You’d best do as Alfie says and get off home,’ she said. ‘I’ll see you in the morning like we planned.’ They were off to Blackpool for a paddle with the kids. ‘We’ll need a bright start if we’re to catch that early tram.’

But Sandra was still in full flow. ‘You know old Bella as runs the flower stall on Blackburn Market… well, you’ll never believe it! She wears a wig! I’m telling yer, a real, live wig! I know, ’cos I saw it clear as I can see you now.’ Although truth to tell, with the world swaying before her eyes, nothing was very clear at the minute. ‘The landlord grabbed her hair and the whole bloody lot come off in his hand. Give him the fright of his life, it did.’

While Alfie and Molly tried desperately hard to keep a straight face, Sandra had no such qualms. Her roars of laughter echoed up and down the street, bringing Rosie to the door in a rush. ‘Is that you, Sandra?’ she yelled. ‘Drunk again is it, ye little heathen? Get in here with ye!’

‘I’m not coming in yet, Mam!’ Falling against the wall, she took a dizzy spell. ‘Ooh, the wall’s moving.’

‘Right, that’s it.’ Taking her by the shoulders, Alfie stood her upright. ‘You can tell us all about it tomorrow.’ Turning to Molly he winked, making her smile.

‘I met this good-looking bloke… ooh!’ Sandra held out her arms as if embracing some imaginary being. ‘He kissed like an angel, he did.’ Struggling fiercely, she almost fell, taking Alfie with her. ‘Aw, look I’m sorry, don’t be mad at me. I’m drunk and I’ve no excuse, but…’ She began giggling again. ‘I think I’m in love.’

Alfie had heard it all before. ‘Come on, sis,’ he sighed. ‘Let’s get you inside before you have the whole street out.’

‘You and Molly get off. Leave your sister to me!’ Rattled and ready, Rosie came at the trot, rolling up her sleeves.

‘Don’t get mad, our mam.’ Sandra had seen her mother in a temper before and it was not a pretty sight. ‘I were already on me way. Ask them, they’ll tell you. “I’d best get off inside,” that’s what I said, and here I am, coming down the street of me own free will.’ She burped again.

‘You don’t say?’ Rosie was having no nonsense. Catching hold of Sandra’s coat collar, she took her down the street at a march. ‘Whatever are ye coming to? Shaming yer mammy like that! You’re a disgrace, so ye are, a downright disgrace!’

‘I’m sorry, Mam. I’ll be off to bed and you’ll hear no more from me till morning. Me and Moll’s taking the kids to Blackpool, it’s all planned.’

‘Sure, I don’t care if youse are going to the ruddy moon. And you’ll not be going to your bed in a hurry neither; not until I’ve turned you upside down in a bucket of cold water.’