The stories making the headlines in the Northwich Guardian 100 years ago...

Eyebrows were raised when a homeless man was arrested for begging in Witton Street.

The strange thing about the scenario was that the man had a ‘larder’ in his possessions, which would have been the ‘envy of many working men’ at the time.

The larder had in it half a pound of bacon, two large herrings, a quantity of bread and several buns.

The 69-year-old was sent to jail - or gaol as reported at the time - for a month.

50 years ago

‘All-in’ plans were announced to change Sir John Deane’s Grammar School into a sixth-form college.

However, the school’s teachers were not behind the idea, with the 41-strong teaching staff publicly opposing the plans.

The school was in the news again when 16-year-old pupil Eric Molyneux of Winnington, won a Gold Award at the Cheshire Association of Boys’ Clubs Arts Festival.

The singer-songwriter was the only Northwich youngster to claim an award.

Northwich councillors met for a special meeting to discuss a shortage of accommodation for elderly people.

The housing committee agreed that there was an ‘urgent need’ for pensioners’ bungalows in Hartford and identified a site in Riddings Lane.

25 years ago

Eleven-year-old Simon Harris was the hero of the hour when he raised the alarm to save his mum and baby brother from a fire in their Barnton home.

The Hartford High School pupil even managed to grab the family’s pet cat, Tiger, before leaving the burning building.

Reports stated that farmers were being ‘kicked out’ to make way for the new Morrisons depot in Lach Dennis, as the plans were revealed. It said that 600 jobs were being created in the area, however.