THIS pictures shows a bustling corner by the Town Hall in Blackburn Market in 1981, which was described as one of Britain’s biggest and busiest and noisiest free shows.

The market offered Lancashire specialities such as locally produced cheeses. There were fish stalls, where the stall holders had travelled from miles out to sell at the busy market.

At the time in 1964 when this new market opened, it was the second biggest in the country.

Shoppers enjoyed the stroll, browsing market goods in the sun, and drinking glasses of sarsaparilla.

Today, the market is part of Blackburn Mall, and although in a modern setting, still retains the traditional market stalls, with additions of all kinds of foods and gifts.

The market is still at the heart of the town.