Allan was born in Blackpool and has a degree in Civil Engineering from Sheffield Poly and worked in the Borough Surveyor's Department of Blackpool BC from 1978 to 1989. Allan is married with four great children. His fascination with old Blackpool scenes started in Sheffield in 1975 at a 'collectors' fair and has not stopped since. Allan has had several books published about old postcard views of Blackpool. Christopher became a draughtsman after training at Blackpool Technical College and later started a building company which now specialises in renovating residential properties. Chris' hobby is photography and for many years has had a keen interest in local history.