PRAMS from yesteryear once again trundled through Letchworth GC. They were an eye-catching attraction on Saturday at the 50s and 60s Festival held in Broadway Gardens and Walk. Nearly 50 Letchworth-made Marmet prams of all ages, designs and condition were

PRAMS from yesteryear once again trundled through Letchworth GC.

They were an eye-catching attraction on Saturday at the 50s and 60s Festival held in Broadway Gardens and Walk.

Nearly 50 Letchworth-made Marmet prams of all ages, designs and condition were pushed round by a team of volunteers and many "prammies" - whose hobby is the restoration of old prams - who dressed in period costume.

It is thought that over the weekend most of the town's residents passed through the variety of exhibits, watched the events and listened to the bands.

A Walk of History on Saturday showcased local industry from the 50s and 60s and former employees manned stands displaying products and technologies used at the time.

"It was amazing the number of people who stopped to chat, who had either worked or who had friends or relations who worked for Ogle Designs," said Geoff Platten who was a designer at the Birds Hill-based company half a century ago.

It was the same story at the other company stands - including ICL, Borg Warner, Meredews and Irvin Parachutes - which were surrounded all day by interested visitors.

On the Comet stand, photocopies of pages from its predecessor The Pictorial in 1966 drew much attention and comments.

A weekend-long display of cars, motorcycles and scooters organised by Geoff Baker was nicely rounded off by a 1920s Shelvoke and Drewry dustcart, kept immaculate and in roadworthy condition by enthusiast Malcolm Bates

A 50s and 60s catwalk fashion show brought in the crowds and a brief but sizzling display of Spirella corsets was a fitting end.

Maria Iredale, chief executive of Letchworth Arts Centre which organised the festival, summed it up by saying: "It was great. We have already started to make tentative plans for next year's theme."

Local MP Oliver Heald visited on Saturday and said: "This was a great garden city event where I met many old friends.