THE prospect of having fun in the sun brought out the crowds at Walney in the summer of 1997.

North Walney Primary School's site off Mill Lane and Duddon Drive played host to everything from dancing displays and stalls to pony riding and the chance to bounce about on giant inflatable.

The annual summer event raised funds to buy extra equipment and support the work of the school.

Among projects in need of cash in 1997 was the school's unit for pupils with hearing impairment. It had launched a £3,000 Price of Silence appeal to buy essential equipment.

The two-room unit had moved from Greengate Infant School, Barrow, in 1995.

An article in The Mail, on May 20, noted: "They need everything from sound-proof wallpaper to a CD Rom computer, a digital camera, a specialist piece of equipment which improves listening skill and sound awareness, and a library of signing video books."

A programme from the school's summer fayre gives an idea of the range of shops and services on Walney more than 20 years ago.

Shops on Mikasa Street included Hair Flair, Louane's for wools and children's clothing; the Dawes DIY and picture framing and Walney Flowers.

Food and drink suppliers included Andy's fish and chips, the Crown at North Scale, the Beachcomber Cafe, at Sandy Gap and the Round House Cafe at Bigger Bank.

Also open in 1997 was the Periscope pub, on Mill Lane, which has since been demolished.

It offered live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, karaoke sessions and an indoor play area with bouncy castle hire.

On Douglas Street, you could visit B & J Arrowsmith for kitchens and bathrooms, News and Food, or Continental Ways.

There was also the Mill Lane Stores for video hire and Island News on Liverpool Street.