10 YEARS AGO: More than 5,000 motor racing enthusiasts lined the forest route of the Grizedale Stages Rally, taking in Coniston, Grizedale and Dunnerdale forests. More than 100 teams took part.

Plans were being drawn up to drastically cut the number of Catholic churches in Furness. Among those facing a closure threat were St Anthony’s at Askam, St Patrick’s at Barrow and the Holy Family Church, Barrow.

Work was set to begin on improvements to Ulverston's Coronation Hall which were valued at £171,000. There would be a new lighting rig and scenery for stage shows.

25 YEARS AGO: Cumbria's bid for 36 extra police officers was rejected by the Home Office due to government spending cuts.

The Rural Development Commission withdrew cash backing for a major revamp of Millom's railway station buildings to create craft workshops and a cafe.

The latest exhibit at Ulverston's Laurel and Hardy Museum was a toilet seat used by the town's most famous old boy. It started life at the home of Stan's grandmother in Argyle Street and was bought with the help of a £454 grant from South Lakeland District Council.

Oil firm Amoco announced that it had discovered gas off the Walney coast.

50 YEARS AGO: You could hear TV singer Margaret McMillan at Barrow's 99 Cabaret Club, in Dalkeith Street.

Barrow Boys beat a soccer team from Huyton by four goals to two at Holker Street in the third round of the English Schools knock-out competition.

The West Cumberland coat was being searched for crew members of a Sea Vixen plane which had crashed into the Irish Sea.

Furness Youth Theatre had become travelling players and did shows in Hawkshead, Barrow, Coniston, Dalton and Ulverston following the closure of Her majaesty's Theatre, in Albert Street, Barrow.