10 YEARS AGO

Cumbrians had run up £80m in student loan debts, latest figures showed. The money, which did not include credit cards, was spread among 9,000 students.

Barrow's RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched to help the crew of the yacht Shona which suffered an engine failure near Piel.

Work was to start on New Market Street, Ulverston, to deal with ruts which had caused problems for shoppers and market traders.

Mel Blanchard was the new licensee of the General Burgoyne pub at Urswick and was to introduce a new menu, including traditional pie and peas.

25 YEARS AGO

Barrow's Alison Steel, of contract caterers Gardner Merchant took a £1,000 prize and a medal for gaining the highest marks in the certificate of Food Hygiene from the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene.

The George Basterfield House residential home in Risedale Road, Barrow, was re-opened after a £440,000 refit. The 40-bed home had been fitted with new carpets and furnishings.

50 YEARS AGO

Members of Barrow's Nelson Street Senior Citizens' Club went on a coach outing to Morecambe.

Stan Dickinson received a gold wrist watch to mark his 30 years with the Barrow Slag Reduction Company, based at Walney Road.

A new Frigidaire twin tub washing machine was £63 from Frederick Batey, at Furness House, Barrow.

Barrow councillors decided to keep up their campaign against a planned merger between Barrow and Lancashire police forces.