It was like pennies from heaven for Broughton children at the annual proclamation of the fair in 1989.

More than 100 onlookers gathered in bright sunshine for the centuries-old tradition noted for the scattering of coins.

Just before noon, deputy bailiff Bill Atkinson carried the ceremonial halberd to the fish stones in the village square.

From the steps Cumbria county councillor Agnes Tait introduced the proceedings and the chairman, Cllr Charles Ross, read the proclamation, to be repeated by Duddon Parish Council leader Cllr E.R. Troughton.

Then, to the delight of the children, pennies were tossed in the air and everyone returned to the Old King's Head inn for cakes and ale.

Cllr Ross toasted the Queen before fulfilling his ceremonial duty by signing the proclamation.

It was the first time Cumbria County Council had performed the ceremony. Previously it was done by Lancashire County Council as Lords of the Manor until the transfer of Broughton Tower Estate to Cumbria County Council that year.

In 1998 The Mail described how for 405 years townspeople in Broughton had gathered to celebrate the granting of the town's market charter.

Steeped in history, the town was a natural draw for tourists getting off the beaten track, and the traditional proclamation of the fair was a special treat for anyone passing through Broughton on August 1 each year.

Cumbria County Council chairman Cllr Ronnie Calvin added his signature to the 405 that had gone before him on the original charter scroll.

He said: "I'm interested in history and industrial archaeology and I think these old customs are important. It keeps the uniqueness of the town - if you lose these traditions you never get them back."

Cllr Calvin and the other dignitaries threw new pennies to the crowd gathered in the square.

Many of those who had attended the ceremony later went to the Old King's Head for the traditional fair cake and ale.