Tom Raistrick was an old friend of Annie Sugden. They were in the same class at school. Tom's father was a teacher there and was nicknamed "Gaffer" Raistrick. Tom was a retired lawyer.
Annie and Tom began a relationship in June 1973. At the time, Tom was also managing a plant nursery. Annie's family began to believe Tom and Annie may marry, and Annie's son Jack went to visit Tom. However, Annie was not pleased. In September 1974, Tom entered the vegetable contest, and ended up beating Sam Pearson to take first place.
In January 1975, Tom began teaching Annie how to drive. Annie was nervous for her lessons and ended up stalling the car in the driveway. Tom contacted Annie to arrange her next driving lesson but Annie had lost interest and decided against buying the car. In February 1975, Tom helped out Annie's other son Joe when Joe's wife Christine filed for divorce. Tom advises Joe to hire a solicitor of his own, and as soon as possible as Christine will want the divorce done as soon as legally possible. In March 1975, Sam Pearson tries to go for the role of church warden, but Tom told him they wanted someone younger. He also asks Annie out for dinner, and she accepts.
In April 1976 Tom was mentioned by Joe when he planned to see him over his divorce from Christine. In May 1976, Joe Sugden yet again mentioned Tom, this time to his father in law Robert Sharp when he said he had previously sought advice from him regarding his divorce from Christine.
In July 1977, Amos planned to meet Tom in Hotten.