Following the – sadly untrue – rumours that abounded across social media yesterday of the return of high-street favourite Woolworths to the UK, we felt it time to look back at a beloved British institution.

Woolies first appeared on these shores in Liverpool in 1909 following spectacular success over the Atlantic.

In today’s gallery we look back at some retro snaps from throughout the chain’s long reign as a fixture in the town centres of our region including Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven before its demise in 2009.

For those featured, memories of working with cherished friends will undoubtedly be fond and will serve as a reminder of a very different time in Cumbrian daily life.

As ever, if you spot yourself, please do get in touch.