PICKERING is one of North Yorkshire's tourism hot-spots - but these old pictures show the thriving community of yesteryear without the visiting throngs.

The picture of the old Pickering Memorial Hall was taken in 1951. The hall has recently seen huge changes with a £800,000 refurbishment which was finished last year.

After nine months of improvement work, a new chapter began in the long life of the hall - and it even got approval from Prince Charles.

Builders worked flat out over nine months last year to restore the hall to its former glory, with seating for 130 people, two extra meeting rooms with a combined capacity of 85, five club rooms and kitchen and toilet facilities.

A major piece of the hall's history was also rescued. Experts restored a 50-year-old mural found beneath layers of paint.

The restoration project was born in the mid-1990s, when a trust was set up to manage it and raise funds for restoration. More than £800,000 was collected from various sources.

Copies of pictures from the past can be ordered from the Evening Press. A print measuring 7x5 costs £5 with 50p postage and packing.

A 10x7 costs £7 (50p p+p), or a 12x8 costs £10 (£1 p+p). Finally, a 16x10 costs £17, also with £1 p+p.

All sizes are approximate. Payment by cheque should be made to York & County Press then sent to Photographers, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York. YO1 9YN.

Alternatively, call photosales on 01904 567135.