Southsea in Portsmouth was recently named by the Sunday Times on its list of the UK’s best coastal towns in which to reside.
In honour of that accolade, we’ve put together this retro gallery featuring some of the best photos taken in Southsea through the years.
This trip down memory lane includes stops at Southsea funfair on Clarence Pier, the old Debenhams store, and several much-loved pubs.
These timeless images show what a blast it is to live in Southsea, from riding rollercoasters to roasting potatoes on a bonfire, and of course, splashing about in the sea.
Huge crowds are seen turning out for a Radio 1 roadshow, youngsters are pictured at schools around the area, and Southsea’s community spirit shines through in photos of fun runs and other charity events.
The more bizarre photos within the gallery include a daring animal rescue, a motorcycling snowman causing minor mayhem, and a bouncy castle marriage proposal.
Do you see anyone you recognise in these pictures, and can you spot the very famous face enjoying a proud moment?
If you enjoyed these photos, you might like this look back at some of the best pictures from the 70s.
21. Fun run
Members of Southsea Rowing Club put down their paddles and donned fancy-dress costumes for a fun-run around Southsea Common. About 25 runners finished the four-mile course. Pictured from left to right are: Nick Rogalski, Mike Osborne, Tim Donovan and Dave Hunt. | The News Portsmouth
22. Christmas Day dip
Members of Portsmouth Voluntary Lifeguards take part in their Christmas Day dip at Southsea, where the temperature was 7C | The News Portsmouth
23. Unfurling the flag
Southsea's strong sea breezes had succeeded where even a Falklands minefield failed. The statue of the Yompey at the entrance to the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney, had been gazing out to sea minus his distinctive Union flag. Passers by were worried it had been stolen before they saw it was wrapped in an aerial of the 13ft figure's field radio. Pictured on duty, unfurling the flag, is Vic Hayles. | The News Portsmouth
24. Getting their skates on
Hot Gossip dancer Jane Newman, left, and singer Louise Borne are surrounded by youngsters as they don their skates at Southsea's new tri-skating rink | The News Portsmouth