Thank you Heather & Dave for your very kind replies, I think I have now solved this riddle out.
Edward Brooke Sykes born 06 - 04 - 1842 married Martha Schofield 10 - 08 - 1866 and died Apr - JUn 1876 age 34. Martha had a child Maud by Edwards brother George William Sykes on the 29 - 09 - 1878. Martha died Jan - Mar 1897 age 51, I still have not found any record of George and Martha being married. George married Gertrude Alice Walker 26 - 10 - 1898 in Didsbury they had three children Gertrude died Jul - Sep 1949 age 74.
Once again Heather and Dave for your very kind help.
Fred Wheatcroft.