THIS lovely old picture was taken around the turn of the century in Bedford.

It was loaned to us by John Corbett, a regular contributor to the Heritage series.

Women are to the fore in this stunning view of Bedford St Thomas's walking day procession, marching proudly along Chapel Street in their finery.

Buildings on the right include China Court, the Stanley Arms and, just out of frame, the New Inn.

John said: "The flag flying over butcher Fred Baxter's shop was recently discovered in an upstairs room. It would be nice to see it flying again for the Millennium."

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