10 YEARS AGO: In a sign of the times, eco-friendly speed warning signs, powered by the sun and wind, were put in place to attract the attention of motorists on Ramsden Dock Road, Barrow.

A Coniston mining track was given a £6,500 facelift to reverse the effects of erosion on the Hole Rake route from the Coppermines Valley to Tilberthwaite.

The National Health Service in Cumbria was losing £2m every year because medication was being wasted.

Ashley Mowat scored 28 points as the Barrow Thorns basketball team defeated Runshaw College.

25 YEARS AGO: 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.

Mine leader Arthur Scargill's nephew Wayne was due to play in midfield for Frickley Athletic against Barrow AFC at Holker Street.

Ulverston-based electrical goods firm Ashley and Rock was to lay off 60 workers due to a slump in orders.

50 YEARS AGO: A new consumer advisory service was to be started in Barrow during February by the Consumer Council.

A tin of John West's Salmon cost three shillings and ninepence (18p) from branches of Barrow Co-operative Society at Abbey Road and Plymouth Street.

More than 60 competitors took part in a hairdressing contest at the King Alfred Hotel, Walney. It was organised by the newly-formed Barrow Hairdressing Academy.

The South Walney Nature Reserve was closed to visitors due to the regional foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.