AS crowds head south next week to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse on August 11, Citizen reader Constance Jones, of Longton, recalls the last time Britain was plunged into darkness by a total eclipse.

She said: "I was one of many who had the experience of witnessing the last total eclipse of the sun which was visible in Britain in the morning of Wednesday, June 29, 1927, from 4.30am to 6.21am.

"It seems a long time ago but the memory is still very vivid.

"I was six years old. I awoke early on the morning of this exciting day and dressed in warm clothing. My family took me to see the spectacle from the viewpoint on Penwortham New Bridge, which spans the River Ribble in Preston.

"When we arrived the bridge was already crowded with people. Parents with their children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, the excitement was intense, none of us knowing quite what to expect.

"It was a lovely early morning, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, all was bright and cheerful. A good to be alive feeling!

"A warning had been given to the public not to view the eclipse with the naked eye because it could cause eye problems. Special eclipse-viewers were issued free by local newspapers and magazines.

"Suddenly, the mood changed. The daylight began to fade as the moon's image began to creep slowly over the surface of the sun.

"Further and further across until the sun disappeared completely and there we were huddled together in darkness and complete silence.

"The birds stopped their morning chorus, the stars came out and the whole atmosphere became cold! It was as though we found ourselves transported into another world. It was an eerie experience.

"As we watched the heavens we at last saw the shadow of the moon slowly start to move away to reveal the sun in all its power and glory.

"I never thought I would repeat the experience.

"Yet here I am, hoping to have the opportunity to experiencing yet another total eclipse of the sun in the year 1999, this from my daughter's home in the West Country!"

If you have an interesting story from the past why not share it with other readers? Write to us at Citizen Newspapers, 3 Winckley Court, Chapel Street, Preston, PR5 1JJ or call the newsdesk on (01772) 255523.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.