BEFORE the days of the combustion engine and brake horse power, four legged horses took the strain.

They were a familiar sight on East Lancashire's roads, harnessed between the shafts of carts, packed with produce and parcels unloaded from the canal barges or railway stations and destined for shops and factories all over town.

Commodities of all sizes and weights, be they milk, coal, fizzy pop or beer all reached their destination, thanks to the Herculean efforts of a strong work horse.

Even back in 1961, when cars, vans and lorries had long been geared up to providing transport services there were still local businessmen who continued to rely on old Ned to ply their trade.

This image from the Telegraph archives shows Blackburn trader G Wilding operating round the cobbled streets of town, selling hot roast potatoes, back in 1961.

If it is Mr Wilding leading his horse, he works in his shirt and tie, even though the cobbles glisten with recent rain.

In the background, his assistant, wearing a white coat, waits from customers from the prim, two-up two-down homes with net curtains at the front windows.

Many of you will also remember the hot potato cart which used to stand on the Boulevard.