IT was once nothing more than a stretch of wild moorland, of importance only to grazing sheep.

But as the Cold War of the 1960s threatened to plunge the world into a devastating nuclear war, RAF Fylingdales on the North York Moors became a crucial part of western defences.

The 'golf balls' containing the early warning station's radar scanners were to become a famous landmark for motorists heading to Whitby across the moors from Pickering.

They were built to detect nuclear missiles heading for Britain from Russia, giving the west four minutes to mount a retaliatory nuclear strike.

Fortunately, the nuclear attack never came, although there have since been reports that we came close to oblivion on at least one occasion.

Our first aerial picture, taken by the late Evening Press photographer Jim Brownbill, shows the trio of plastic domes under construction in 1962, with a vast area of moorland turned into a building site.

One of the golf balls is only half-built, revealing a spider's web of scaffolding inside.

Of course, after the balls were built, there was an ongoing problem of maintenance.

How on earth do you re-paint three giant golf balls? With a certain amount of difficulty, that's how.

Our photographer John Giles joined a team of 11 painters in 1977 as they abseiled down the 140-ft circumference domes, using 850 gallons of eggshell blue paint.

The golf balls are no longer there, after being replaced by updated equipment housed in a new pyramid structure.

Still distinctive to motorists passing by, and still a target for peace campaigners seeking unilateral disarmament by Britain.

Recently, Fylingdales has looked set to become part of George Bush's "Son of Star Wars" National Missile Defence project, provoking more protests.

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 (£ 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.

Updated: 11:51 Friday, August 23, 2002