FLYING the flags and floodlighting the town hall and market was just one of the ways Accrington marked the coronation of George VI in 1937.

The new king was crowned on May 12, the date originally set for that of his brother Edward VIII before he abdicated.

Lighting up Blackburn Road for three months, was just one of the ways the coronation committee marked the special day.

Other proposals included a firework display on the Coppice and a torchlight procession of scouts to the top..

A ball was also held in support of the Victoria Hospital and the council also gave its employees a day's holiday.

Prizes were offered for the best decorated buildings and houses and another prize went to student who wrote the best essay.

Souvenir gifts were also presented - handkerchiefs with a coronation design were presented to little ones at nursery and pupils at the grammar and arts and crafts schools, could choose between a penknife or a pen.

On the day, there was a Royal Salute of 21 guns, fired by the 125th Infantry brigade and in the afternoon, pensioners sat down to a feast at the Ambulance Drill Hall.

The celebrations continued long after the coronation at Westminster Abbey - many organisations arranged their own dances weeks afterwards and the hospital ball was staged for October.

The following year the new King and Queen visited the town as part of a Lancashire tour and the Market Place was filled to capacity.

As the crowd waited amplified gramophone music was played and as the Royal party came into view, a great cheer rang out and 4,00 Union Jacks were excitedly waved.

* The town hall and market hall in Accrington is floodlit to celebrate the coronation of King George VI in 1937.

*The king on a visit to Accrington.