An update.
It rather looks like Fred George and Harry might be this family in Leeds in 1901 (Potter Newton):
FAIRBURN: Fred 36 confectioner baker D employer, b Leeds, YKS; wife Agnes 36 b Sweden (British Subject); Harry 9, George H 8, both b Leeds, YKS; Cousin Mary E WELLS 22 unm b Leeds;
Where Fred and Agnes looks like 1889 marriage registered Bradford (Agnes HAGUE).
Following them back led me to a couple of options for Fred, at which point I decided to hope that someone out there recognised the family and could make the jump back further in time and northwards, (rather than my having to buy certs!) as they were all still firmly in Leeds, Bradford etc area.
One option was the son of a Thomas FAIRBURN and Mary Jane BAIRSTOW, married Halifax 1858. By 1891 Thomas was a restaurant keeper in Leeds.
Anyone recognise them with a few more clues and can get them back to Durham and further north to Melrose?
Lorna
Waikanae, NZ
http://dnasurnames.info/lineages/spwantedfairbairns.htm