IF THE names Trevor McDoughnut, Spit the Dog and the Phantom Flan Flinger spark memories, then read on.

A generation after its Saturday morning mayhem ended, cult children’s TV show TISWAS returns for a 21st-Century reunion.

One of the mainstays of the anarchic show – which served as a launchpad for the careers of entertainers such as Chris Tarrant and Lenny Henry – was presenter Sally James being bombarded with badges, uniforms and other paraphernalia from the Armed Forces.

It was all started by the Military Police who sent her their trademark red caps, but unsurprisingly the RN got in on the act and basically took over; by far the biggest response Sally got was from matelots who sent in cap tallies by the sackful.

Three decades on, the team behind TISWAS (actually ‘This Is Saturday, What A Show’, or perhaps, ‘This Is Saturday, Wear A Smile’) are keen to hear from sailors and marines who sent tallies or other kit into the show. You can contact producer Mike Smith by e-mail at Universal Media.

Among those who got in on the TISWAS act 30 years ago were crew of carrier HMS Hermes. Back in the 70s chef Ian Coomer (known as ‘Big Bad Batts’) dressed as that infamous pie thrower with shipmates to raise money for a good cause.

Three decades on the wheel has turned full circle; he’s now Sally James’ driver.

As for the show itself, it ran from 1974-1981 on Saturday mornings – when Saturday mornings on mainstream TV were taken over by children’s programmes.

The 90-minute TISWAS Reunited show will air on ITV1 on a Saturday night in June.