WITH the EU referendum approaching, we have gone through the archives to track down an image of Geoffrey Rippon, former Hexham MP and the UK’s chief negotiator in talks which led to our membership of the EU in the early 1970s.

This particular picture was taken in May 1979, after the General Election swept the Conservatives back into power under Margaret Thatcher’s leadership.

It shows supporters greeting Mr Rippon and his agent, Ray Bolton, as they enter the Hexham Conservative Club for victory celebrations.