List of School Friend (comics) stories

A list of stories in British weekly girls' comic School Friend, published between 1950 and 1965 by the Amalgamated Press and Fleetway Publications.

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (September 2023)

Published: 25 May to 23 December 1963^[1]

Artist: Tom Kerr

Orphans Beth and Tim Coombs try to make their way in Victorian era London and avoid being put in separate workhouses.

Published: 26 November 1960 to 22 September 1962^[2]

Artist: Cecil Orr^[1]

Babette Briand relates the antics of her madcap family.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 12 October 1963 to 1 February 1964^[1]

The Mariane School of Ballet in Dorlington - including Gaye Farrel and her friends Dave, Bob, Sylvia, Joe, Jill and Laurie - prepare to put on a ballet to remind the young people of the new town about the charms of its older institutions.

Published: 25 May 1963 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Artist: Cecil Orr^[1]

Bessie Bunter is an oversized, gluttonous and none-too-smart pupil boarding at Cliff House School.

• One page humour strip. The character of Bessie (sister of Billy Bunter) was previously in the original School Friend; continued in June.

Published: 5 May 1956 to 9 March 1957^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[2][3]

Trudy Lomax is secretary to Professor Simpson on an expedition to search for a Roman galley in the South Seas, and soon becomes fascinated with the strange native boy Daron.

• Later reprinted in June. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 9 May to 24 October 1959

Mayberry School pupils Candy Duncan and Sheila Lang find an errand to pick up old bikes for a charity event quickly becomes complicated when a motorcyclist begins leaving them cryptic notes.

Published: 9 July 1955 to 7 January 1956^[1]

In the 1880s, Carol Wayne returns to her hometown of Redwood after a year at boarding school, finding that her luckless grandfather has built up a mountain of debt. She resolves to raise money to prevent his beloved Honeysuckle Ranch being sold.

Published: 25 May 1963 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Artist: John Armstrong^[4][5]

Cherry Bryant looks after siblings Sue and Tim - as well as Boxer the dog - while her mother works at a cigarette factory, keeping them all safe despite the quartet always getting into scrapes.

• Continued from Girls' Crystal, continued in June.^[4][5]

Published: c. December 1954 to 7 May 1955^[1]

Newly arrived at Alpine School, Cherry Lee soon receives a mysterious music box and some unusual instructions to decipher. Soon she has a whole group of friends helping her crack the case - before the sinister Vincent Van Dorn can.

• Front cover strip. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #108 as "Cherry Comes to Alpine School".

Published: 26 August to 23 December 1961^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Claire Raymend uses her wits to keep vital secrets out of the hands of foreign agents.

Published: 12 September to 28 November 1953^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

In ancient Egypt, talented musician Charmion is taken under the wing of the kind Queen Cleopatra, but has to deal with jealous maid of honour Tharna and her scheming father.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #66.

Published: 11 October 1958 to 4 April 1959^[1]

Realising his daughter Betty Lou is turning into a spoilt brat, California millionaire Harvey Q. Wilchester hires a nice English girl to keep her on the straight and narrow.

Published: 1960 to 4 March 1961^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[3]

Famous ballet star Madame Irina is framed for stealing a ruby and goes into hiding. Trained by a masked expert at Falconburg Castle, Janice Shaw soon realises her teacher is none other that Irina, and vows to keep her secret and clear her idol's name.

Published: 20 May to 26 August 1950^[1]

Visiting Egypt to see her Uncle Mark, Denise Fraser is entrusted with a scarab ring which soon sees her targeted by the so-called Moon of the Desert; thankfully, the heroic Sheik Haroun is on hand to keep her safe.

Published: 20 May 1950 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Scatter-brained schoolgirl Dilly frequently gets the wrong end of the stick and causes good-natured confusion.

• A long-running one-page humour strip. After the merger with Girls' Crystal the strip was renamed "Dilly Dreem's Schooldays" and printed in colour on the back cover. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #267 and #279.

Published: 29 September to 29 December 1962^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Upbeat Dolly irritates passers-by with her wordplay.

• Front cover strip.

Published: 21 May to 10 September 1960^[1]

Ella Saunders finds some refuge from her miserable foster-mother Mrs. Leech when she befriends Carol Cunliffe, who invites Ella around to her spacious and beautiful gardens. However, Mrs. Leech's brother steals Carol's necklace, and Ella resolves to get it back for her friend.

Published: 24 March to 21 July 1951^[1]

Wyoming girl Jean Gray begins competing in cross-country horse races on the magnificent stallion Flame.

Published: 10 July to 13 November 1954

When Nazis occupy France, village girl Fleurette Bonnard helps Maquis fighters to safety - using her job as a bakery girl as a cover.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #63 and Princess Picture Library #86.

Published: 28 October 1961 to 3 February 1962^[2]

Artist: Jack Hardee^[2]

Julie Roger is excited enough at becoming an air stewardess, and finds her first flight has the former president of Cartania on board. Things then become even more dramatic when the plane is hijacked.

• Front cover strip. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 28 March to 5 September 1964^[1]

After winning £5000 on her Premium Bond, Fancy Riley gives up teaching to follow her dream, buy a plane and become a pilot.

Published: 8 April to 19 August 1961^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[3]

Left in charge of Four Winds Ranch in Oklahoma after her father's premature death, Shiree Hudson stands firm against those who would try to drive her off.

Published: 20 May to 22 July 1950^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

In 1644, Celia Harcourt helps young Cavalier Roger de Stacey complete a mission for her father.

Published: 2 November 1957 to 9 August 1958^[1]

When Lisa Borrelli's dance school is hit by lightning and burns down, four of her pupils renovate a dilapidated theatre to raise funds to buy her a new site.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 4 March to 20 May 1961^[2]

Gaye finds herself drawn into aiding a secret agent known as Mr. X against the schemes of the Baron and his niece Olga.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 10 March to 16 June 1951^[1]

Visiting her brother in Mexico, dancer Lola Dering finds herself taken by the heroic outlaw Grey Mask

Published: 16 August 1958 to 28 February 1959^[2]

Artist: E.C. Julien^[2]

Nona Lorne's dreams seem to come true when she meets a stray dog that takes an instant shine to her; however, she must keep the animal secret from her uncle, who is prejudiced against dogs after an accident which killed his wife.

Published: c. November 1952 to 21 March 1953^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

During the height of the English Civil War, the noble Cavalier Sir Geoffrey Deepwood is sent on a vital mission for King Charles. After Sir Geoffrey is injured, his resourceful daughter Valerie must get a vital sword past the Roundheads.

• Reprinted as "The Sword of Freedom" in Princess in 1967. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #84 as "Valerie and the Sword of Freedom", redraw by Artur Horowicz.

Published: 9 September to 30 December 1961^[2]

Artist: Bill Mainwaring^[2]

Two families compete to find treasure on an Italian island - but children Nina Gasperi and Carlo Albanesi find they have common ground, and want to avoid the bitter competition.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: c. May 1960^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

A hound called Carlo helps Jane Stedman uncover a plot to murder widow Mrs. Farnfield

Published: 7 June 1958 to 10 January 1959^[2]

Working with her uncle at a village in Indochina, Janet sets up a school for the local children - and grabs the attention of jungle boy Kendru.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 20 May 1950 to 23 January 1965^[3]

Writer: Johnny Johnson

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[1][3]

Jill Blair and young friend Sally become marooned on Paradise Isle, and make fast friends with native girl M'Lani, a leopard called Katzi and a parrot called Polly. Awaiting rescue, they soon find out that not all passing ships are helpful.

• Initially introduced in 1950's "Jill Crusoe, Castaway", Jill and her friends went on to become one of School Friend's most popular features, returning in "Friends of Paradise Island" the following year. In 1952 this became the long-running "Jill Crusoe and the Mystery Schooner", which morphed into "Jill Crusoe and the Land of the White Queen" into 1953. "Jill Crusoe and the Golden Bell" ran from 1954 to 1955, and in 1959 it was "Jill Crusoe and the Stranger from the Sea".^[1][3] The story also featured in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #36 and #45.

Published: 22 December 1951 to 14 June 1952?^[1]

Joining her uncle's expedition to the African jungle searching for a lost ancient city, Dinah Meredith becomes fascinated by a primitive local boy called Jon.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 21 May to 24 September 1960^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Judy Malvern wants to become a champion swimmer, but must keep her training from her uncle who is embittered after his wife died in a bathing accident.

Published: 28 March to 7 November 1953

At the tail end of the 19th century, Julie Crawford travels to Buffalo Springs to take up a post as school mistress, but soon gets caught up with dashing outlaw Kit Kennedy.

Published: 22 June 1957 to 18 October 1958?^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[3]

With her family's ranch at risk of takeover by the evil Crowley, Katy Jackson resolves to master the wilful horse Duke and win the Grand Prix to alleviate the financial concerns of herself, her brother Tommy and her little sister Dodo.

• Modified and reprinted as "Judy of Juniper Creek" between 30 May and 16 November 1964.

Published: 2 September 1950 to 6 January 1951^[1]

Canadian girl Pam's Alsatian Kim is such a marvel he is targeted by thieves - who reckon without the pair's determination.

Published: c. May to c. July 1955^[1]

Hired as a governess by affable Cornishman Mr. Farnfield, Sandra Mayhew soon gets involved in intrigue when the household's scheming butler Crichton gets amiable tutor Roderick fired. The sacked academic then writes to Sandra, telling her of a mysterious link to King Arthur which explains Crichton's odd behaviour.

Published: 26 December 1964 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Ingrid Jansen meets strange creatures living near Jarheim in Norway.

Published: c. October to December 1959^[1]

Living with her cold guardian Uncle Matt in Wyoming, Mandy Morgan finds a weak orphaned foal she names Lonesome and secretly tries to nurse him back to health.

• Reprinted of as "Friends of the Wilds" in June.

Published: 21 February to 13 June 1953^[1]

Living in the old Cornish cottage at Falcon's Nest, Lorna Penhale spots suspicious activity through her telescope, centred on a mysterious island and naturalist Frank Hemsley.

Published: 12 December 1953 to 3 July 1954^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[1][3]

A pioneer family make their way to a new life in distant Oregon.

Published: 7 March to 26 December 1959^[1]

In 1750s England, Amy Lyndon's father is accused of being a notorious highwayman and he is forced to go on the run. Amy soon finds their home at the Grange attracting the attention of all sorts of unsavoury characters.

Published: 16 November 1963 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Writer: Frank Redpath

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1][6]

As her widowed mother works hard to put food on the table, Lucinda Ursula Cynthia Kate Yolanda Smith - or just Lucky for short - keeps the house in order. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of her 11th year, she wishes her doll comes to life - and it does.

• Continued in June as "Lucky and Tina".

Published: 29 April to 26 August 1961^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Growing up on a barge with her widower artist father, Rebecca Drake picks up all manner of anarchic habits.

Published: 30 September 1950 to 3 March 1951^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

With King Richard away on the Crusades, Maid Marian works to prevent King John and his henchman Sir Hugo from using an archery competition for a Golden Arrow to trap the valiant Robin Hood.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #69.

Published: 25 May 1963 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Actress Avril Claire is not popular in Occupied France, as she performs for the German troops. But what nobody knows is that she is in fact Mam'selle X, a member of the French Resistance.

• Previously in Girls Crystal; continued in June and Tammy.

Published: 12 September to 19 December 1964^[1]

In occupied France, the daring resistance fighter known as The Cat battles the Gestapo.

Published: 14 November 1953 to 13 March 1954^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

Orphan Mary Marlow travels to Kingston, Jamaica to live on the plantation of Olivia Fairfax - who she soon finds is being exploited by the local governor. Hope is at hand, however, due to the dashing Masked Pirate.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #99.

Published: 7 January to 17 November 1956^[1]

Grey Gables School ballet dancers Vicki Kildare and Jo Mostyn find themselves receiving help from a mysterious masked dancer.

• Front cover strip.

Published: 10 February 1962 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Artist: Ernest Ratcliff^[1]

Schoolgirl Wendy Lee relates stories about her friend Sara Topper.

• Front cover strip. Continued in June.

Published: 14 April to 20 October 1956^[2]

Fiona Starr desperately tries to find the secret of the ruined Castle Kildair before the greedy Denvers family can buy it, and gets help from a mysterious dog called Faithful.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #116.

Published: 31 May to 4 October 1952^[1]

Doreen Calvert emigrates to Mexico to live with her father, only to find he is living a double-life as the Masked Shadow, a wanted outlaw pursued by Tony Graham. Doreen works to clear her father's name before he is captured.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #147.

Published: 11 October 1952 to 9 May 1953^[1]

Pam Robins enrols in an exclusive private school among the mountains of picturesque Switzerland. However, as well as making chums she has to decipher the mystery of a letter her father sent her regarding 'The Sign of the Edelweiss'.

• Front cover strip. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #75 as "Pam at Mountain School".

Published: 22 April 1961 to 3 February 1962^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Pat Summers is a gifted swimmer and diver, and soon becomes world famous putting on shows with dolphins.

Published: 26 July 1952 to 14 February 1953

When Duval's Circus arrives in town, Patsy Leyland applies for a job - and soon finds out there are rum goings-on aplenty when it is targeted by the enigmatic Seventh Clown.

• Unusually for a British comic of the time, Patsy narrated the action "in her own words". Patsy Leland later returned in "Rivals of the Circus" (5 December 1953 to 5 June 1954) and "Mystery Member of the Circus" (c. 1954 to 1955). Also in Schoolgirls Picture Library #70 and #117, and Princess Picture Library #112.

Published: 25 October 1958 to 2 May 1959^[1]

Staying with her artist uncle, Penelope Tremlett soon gets drawn into peculiar goings-on at the local boys' school of Monkswood.

Published: 6 August to 24 September 1960^[1]

After her uncle leaves her a riding stable on the south coast, Penny Lane is delighted - though the dilapidated Maywood Stables will need some work to be the place she has dreamed of all her life.

Published: 9 December 1961 to 22 September 1962^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[3]

Penny West runs a small riding school in Pine Ridge, a countryside estate near Landale, but must balance training young jockeys against those who would ruin the idyllic area.

• Also in School Friend Picture Library #8.

Published: c. June to 26 December 1959^[1]

Despite having a cruel stepmother, Italian village girl Pepita brings joy to the community with her puppet shows.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #127. Later modified and reprinted as "Rosita and Her Puppets" in Poppet.

Published: 19 December 1959 to 14 May 1960^[2]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[3]

Shirley Wells opens a dance school with immediate success - until a sinister neighbour begins making a nuisance of himself. Shirley gets aid from an unlikely source - a spectral ballet dancer who appears in her school.

• Front cover strip. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 25 September 1954 to 5 March 1955; 10 September 1955 to 10 October 1964^[1]

Crown Princess Anita of Sylvanberg returns from boarding school after the death of her parents, only to find her uncle Arch-Duke Michael has eyes on making his regency permanent with the aid of Anita's cruel governess Countess Helga, finding an ally in peasant girl Gerda.

• After winning back her crown in the first serial "Anita, Princess in Disguise", Princess Anita returned for a long regular stint. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #105, #123 and #174.

Published: 21 May to 24 September 1960; 11 March 1961 to c. 1963^[1]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[1]

Kind-hearted Princess Lola of San Sereno - known as 'the Gay Princess' for her sunny personality - goes to great lengths to help her subjects.

• The first serial was called "The Gay Princess", the second "Lola's Golden Quest".

Published: 26 October 1963 to 7 March 1964^[1]

Belinda may be heiress to the throne of Ruvenia, but her boundless energy and sense of humour soon earn her the nickname 'Princess Mischief'.

Published: 2 September to 28 October 1961

In 1900, Prue Pomfroy's posh family buys a motor car - but she is more interested in a foal she finds wandering the New Forest.

Published: 25 May to 31 August 1963^[1]

Count Radek hopes to depose Princess Gina of Rosania and install himself on the throne, but she escapes. Making friends with a peasant girl called Hansi and aided by the Masked Black Shadow, Gina sets about exposing Radek's treachery.

• Reprinted in June as "Princess Gina and the Black Shadow".

Published: 27 January 1951 to 12 January 1952^[1]

Artist: Basil Reynolds^[1]

• One-page humour strip, with rhyming text and great lashings of racism.

Published: 9 July to 12 November 1955^[1]

Artist: Reginald Ben Davis^[1][3]

In 1754, Anne Bellew arrives to stay with her uncle at Beacon Heights, and soon begins he might be involved in piracy. Given that he is called Cap'n Jonas Darke, Anne may well be onto something.

• Later reprinted as "The Mystery of Beacon House" in June.

Published: 11 April to 29 August 1959^[2]

Artist: E.C. Julien^[2]

Touring Cornwall, Bob and Brenda Richmond receive an ivory figurine from their father Colin, a secret agent, and soon find a group led by the sinister Miss Soong will stop at nothing to get hold of it.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 7 October 1950 to 12 May 1951^[1]

English girl Gwen Waring arrives at the beautiful Silver Lake School in Switzerland, but soon makes an enemy in the form of the unsporting Olga Lisette. Gwen must use her wits to win the skiing competition - aided by the gallant Masked Watcher.

• Front cover strip. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #42.

Published: 6 December 1958 to 20 June 1959^[1]

When White Towers School pupils Gwen Edwards and Zoe Burne find their mistress Maryon Sinclair's fiancé Paul Westerman has been framed as a coward and fired from his job as a mountain guide the pair resolve to clear his name.

• Front cover strip.

Published: 3 August 1957 to 29 November 1958^[1]

Crossways School pupils Joy Ridley and Aileen Dexter are put in charge of greeting an exotic new pupil, Arabian noble Rozana. They soon find themselves inveigled in their new friend's complicated life.

• Front cover strip. The first serial (3 August 1957 to 1 February 1958) was named "That Amazing Schoolgirl from the East".

Published: 1962 to ?^[1]

Artist: Harry Hargreaves^[1]

The adventures of the good-natured dog Scamp, owned by a girl named Fay.

• The character of Scamp - whose stories were 'put into words for him' by Ida Melbourne - a pseudonym for L.E. Ransome^[7] - had previously appeared as text stories.

Published: 14 August to 13 November 1954

Josie Gray and Hazel Robins set up a pets club with their friends of Suncove School, only for local ne'er do well Spencer Carson to attempt to shut them down.

• Front cover strip.

Published: 15 December 1951 to 4 October 1952^[1]

After their sports mistress Miss Dale is fired due to the machinations of spoilt prefect Imogen Kirby, Abbotsfield pupils Heather Croft and Kay Richards work together to undo the injustice.

• Front cover strip.

Published: 28 July to 22 December 1951^[1]

Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton^[1]

In 1751 Prue Nightingale works for her kind mistress at Highwood Hall, but an encounter with the suave highwayman Captain Fortune involves her in the machinations of Jabez Starke, amoral leader of the Bow Street Runners.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #54.

Published: 26 May to 22 September 1962^[2]

Artist: Robert MacGillivray^[2]

Peggy Simon is forced to put her acting ambitions on pause and take a job working behind the scenes at a theatre after her family's fortunes take a turn for the worst. Her talent means she soon lands a role in the play, but one of her co-stars is less happy and attempts to sabotage her.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 20 May to 30 September 1950; 19 May to 8 December 1951; 16 May to 19 December 1953; c. July to December 1955; 24 November 1956 to 27 July 1957; c. June to October 1959; 17 September 1960 to c. 1961; c. 1963 to 1964

Writers: Stewart Pride, Horace Boyton^[8]

Artist: Evelyn Flinders^[8]

Three schoolgirls at St. Kit's boarding school — Betty Roland, Joan Derwent and Peggy West — band together as a secret society against the tyranny of the head prefect.

• The characters debuted in 1950's "The Silent Three at St. Kits" before returning in 1951's "The Silent Three at Island School", 1953's "Secret Member of the Silent Three", 1955's "The Silent Three's Highland Quest", 1956-57's "The Silent Three in Switzerland", 1959's "The Silent Three at Clock House" and 1960-61's "Spy Hunt for the Silent Three".^[1] Flinders retired in 1959.^[9] Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #58, #87, #120 and #300.

Published: 29 December 1951 to 19 July 1952^[1]

After the nefarious Pierre Lacoste tricks the people of the remote Canadian settlement of Oster Creek into believing local wolfhound Solak is a violent threat, plucky Judy Denham works to keep the dog from cruel punishment.

• Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #57.

Published: 29 September 1962 to 19 October 1963^[1]

Joy Sparrow's father runs a grocers shop on Angel Street, through which she gets involved in all manner of local to-dos.

• Also in School Friend Picture Library #31 and #35.

Published: 26 November 1960 to 22 April 1961^[2]

Susan Webster lands a job in the circus thanks to her friend, tightrope walker Julie Byrd. However, soon after she starts at the circus it looks like she is causing trouble.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 5 October 1963 to 11 April 1964^[1]

Artist: Arthur Martin^[1]

Cavegirl Kitty shows off some of the quirks of prehistoric life.

• Half-page humour strip.

Published: 30 July to 24 September 1960^[1]

Norma Hollis goes to stay with her Uncle Marcus as his overgrown Storm Manor in Cornwall, and soon sees that there may be reasons behind the superstitious outlook of the locals.

Published: 5 October 1963 to 23 January 1965^[1]

Writers: Scott Goodall, Len Wenn, Terry Magee^[10]

Artists: Mike Hubbard^[10]

The pipe-smoking Storyteller dispenses spooky stories.

• Continued in "June".

Published: 29 September 1956 to 30 November 1957^[2]

Artist: E.C. Julien^[2]

Talented ice skater Susan Webster gets her big break in a travelling ice show, but must discover the secret of the disruptive Masked Harlequin.

• Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.^[2]

Published: 21 June to 9 August 1952^[1]

On holiday in India, Sylvia Somers visits her father in Bombay and soon finds herself caught up in an attempt to steal a mystical idol from his home.

Published: 23 May 1950 to 15 April 1961^[1]

Artist: Cecil Langley Doughty^[1]

Good-natured private detective Terry Brent helps people with minor problems. Later investigations saw Terry joined by his tomboy niece Paddy McNaught.

• Similar to "Bruce Kent" and "Zip Nolan", readers were encouraged to spot the solution to each strip's mystery before it was revealed. In an inversion of Zip Nolan, this was later dropped in favour of straightforward adventure stories.

Published: 25 May 1963 to 22 February 1964^[1]

Writer: L.E. Ransome (as Ida Melbourne)^[11]

Mischievous schoolgirl Patsy is always up to something, frequently taking advantage of gullible prefect Herbert.

• Text story. Continued from Girls' Crystal

Published: 4 June 1960 to 22 September 1962?^[1]

Tracy Jones breaks through into modelling; later, she and the other girls from her agency are invited to exotic Abbia by the country's king, who hopes his female subjects will begin following Western fashions.

• Also in School Friend Picture Library #1, #3 and #9.

Published: 1951 to ?^[1]

Living in Baghdad with her overbearing merchant uncle Haroun Bey, Yasmin leaps at the chance to act as a guide to English siblings Pat and Dave Hunter.