A REINDEER called Plum was easily the star attractions as Barrow laid on a fun day and a farmers' market to attract Christmas shoppers to visit the town centre and spend their money 20 years ago.

Seven-year-old Plum proved to be the crowd pleaser among a group of reindeer brought from the Cairngorms in Scotland to give a festive feel to the event - and to help Santa as he handed out gifts to youngsters.

The women's group from Furness Lions had a stall at the Barrow event with a host of knitted dolls they had made themselves which were being sold for charity.

In Portland Walk Market Square there was a host of speciality food items as part of a farmers' market - everything from Sri Lankan chutneys to organic trout and even ostrich eggs at £8 each.

The Mail, on December 7 in 1999, noted: "There were also stalls packed with clothing, shoes, flowers, carpets, cards and handbags.

"The market was organised by Barrow Council, the National Farmers' Union and Made in Cumbria."