As Barrow Market Hall prepares to undergo an extensive refurbishment, we’ve delved into The Mail’s photo archives to take a look back over the decades.

The market has celebrated 53 years of trade and established itself as a central feature of the town.

Since being opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971, the market has seen no shortage of characters like Mrs Barbara Williams, who worked on Trevor's Shoe stall.

She was featured in one of our articles from 1997, where she showed off some of her merchandise.

(Image: Newsquest)

Another well-known figure was Jimmy Ferguson, a market trader who was known to advertise his goods during the 1980s by ringing a bell.

(Image: Newsquest)

Christmas-time never failed to be a busy time for Barrow Market as decorations came out and presents were displayed.

The entire town used to turn up for their Christmas shopping, a local councillor once described it as 'like a scene from festival film'.

(Image: Newsquest)

In a recent post on their social media page, Barrow Market Hall said: “Come and enjoy the last few shopping days in Barrow Market Hall.

“Our traders are preparing to relocate to their new units in the mall and the portacabins on the outdoor market.

“Take a moment to enjoy a nostalgic shopping experience and please share your memories of Barrow Market over the past 53 years/

“The market renovation is an exciting time and will completely transform the market, bringing a new and modern eating, entertainment and shopping experience in our town centre.

“Please keep supporting our local independent market traders.”

Westmorland and Furness Council confirmed the last day of trading at Barrow Market will be Saturday August 10.

Residents had their say on future of Barrow town centre high street, read more here.

Traders will be relocated to special units in the outdoor market on Portland Walk and will open their new units for business on Monday August 12.

It is estimated that work in the Market Hall will take two years to complete.

The council previously planned a phased approach for the internal refurbishment and asbestos removal with traders remaining in the market hall while the work took place.

However, concerns were raised by market traders about operating close to asbestos removal.

In December the council completed an in-depth review of the risks associated with undertaking asbestos removal and refurbishment works within an active market and concluded it would be safer for staff, traders, and the general public not to be in the hall during the works.

The market took champion titles in a national contest, read more here.

The work is part of a £16 million government-funded scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the public realm that surrounds it to attract more people into the town centre.