THE life and times of Great Harwood are being recalled by people all around the world.

What started as a hobby for Phil Dewhurst has captured the imagination of thousands who grew up within its streets.

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He has created a new Facebook page – Great Harwood Past and Present – which has become an instant hit.

Stories and pictures of people and places through the years are being added on a daily basis, and Phil hopes to see it expand even more.

He told Bygones: “It’s a trip down memory lane for people of Great Harwood and is being picked up by those still in East Lancashire as well as others scattered all over the world.

“I have been collecting old pictures of my home town for some time and thought I would start a page to test the water and see if there is any interest.

“And it has really taken off, with pictures of all description being sent in, some of which have never been seen before.”

He added: “They bring memories of times past and are also a learning tool for the young, as a history lesson of their home town.”

The textile industry brought the major change to Great Harwood – from a population which barely numbered 1,600 in the early 1800s, it grew to nearly 14,000 before the First World War.

Small enclaves of cottages and farms disappeared to create a cotton town, where, in1912, looms outnumbered people.

Great Harwood got its new town hall in 1900, while the opening of the Mercer memorial tower and clock, which was built by public subscription, took place three years later.

In the following years, the town’s social life centred round the Mercer Hall, which was the scene of balls and events such as lectures and, in 1922, along with the town hall, it was the first building to be connected to an electricity supply.

View Great Harwood Past and Present, at www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Harwood-Past-and-Present/350146798487675.

Phil also wants to encourage more photographs and memories for the site, if you have any, you can email them to gtharwoodpastandpresent@hotmail.com.