THEY are images from a bygone era which evoke memories of the district’s rich industrial history.

A fascinating collection of old photographs, believed to have been taken in the 1920s at Blaxter Quarry, at Elsdon near Otterburn, has been unearthed by a Hexham couple.

Gordon and Janice Hull found the photos while searching through old documents, and were keen to share them with Courant readers.

“They have been in the family for years,” said Gordon. “They were safely stored away but we just came across them.

“It would be great to find out if anyone knows anything about the photos, and the people in them.”

Janice acquired the photos because her uncle, Harry Ord, and grandfather, James Ord, both worked at the sandstone quarry, which dated back to about 1890.

Gordon added: “The photos are fascinating to look at because they give a real insight into life at the quarry in the days long before health and safety regulations. They give you a good look at the workforce, the heavy duty equipment and the transportation used.

“We think the photos were taken in the 1920s, but we really don’t know much more than that.

“Everyone has a vision of how working life in quarries and mines used to be, but these are great photos which give you a good idea of what it was like.”

Blaxter remains a working quarry today. It is owned by Dunhouse Quarry Company Ltd.