Readers of a regional daily have put forward their theories as to the origins of a ‘mystery badge’ produced by the newspaper in the past.

As reported on HTFP earlier this month, the Huddersfield Daily Examiner launched an appeal to find out more about two badges bearing its name – one which was found at the town’s open market and another found in a desk in its newsroom.

One of the badges, which features the slogan ‘YFL’ or ‘FYL’ along with the Examiner’s name, even stumped former news editor Neil Atkinson, who worked there for 44 years before retiring in July.

After the appeal, reader Judith Crowther came forward to say she owned the same badge, albeit an orange-coloured one.

The blue ‘FYL’ or ‘YFL’ badge pictured with two others

She recalled that in the early 1960s the Examiner ran competitions for children on what may have been called ‘Uncle Fred’s Page’, and touted a connection between that and the badge.

Another reader, Frank Appleyard, added: “I have one of these badges but it was my sister’s (I’ve lost mine). They were red for girls and blue for boys for members of The Young Folks’ League in the Weekly Examiner published on Saturday mornings, possibly conducted by Uncle Fred. The column had short tales, jokes and competitions with small prizes, and, of course, your name got printed.”

Val Barnes told the Examiner she thought ‘FYL’ might stand for ‘For Your Loyalty’, while Rob Gaunt said: “I knew several farmers’ sons and wonder if it was something to do with the Young Farmers which was very active at the time.

“I wasn’t involved but I’m sure I saw lads wearing them so it could be a possibility.”