Throughout the 1960s, there was a feeling of prosperity and progress in Preston. A Lancashire town throwing off the shackles of the cotton trade, it took other industrial and commercial challenges on board. Better roads and transport, improved housing and revolutionised shopping outlets all reflected the feeling of progress. The poverty of Preston seemed to be in decline, and the churches were helping to shape a brighter future with spiritual and practical help. In many ways, Preston mirrored national trends and teenagers began to play their part with music and leisure pursuits for pleasure. Yes, there were still crimes, criminals, tragedy and trauma, yet among it all there was triumph, be it socially or in the sporting arenas – enough to ensure the pride was still in Preston. A decade that appeared to begin in black and white was to end in glorious technicolour – or so it seems on reflection.

Keith is an engineering design/development engineer having worked in the Printing Press industry for over thirty-five years. His hobbies include running, walking, gym training, railways and local history. He has studied history for the last twenty-five years both locally and nationally and has had a number of successful books to his name. He has also contributed numerous articles on local history to the Lancashire Evening Post for the last fifteen years, and is a member of the Crime Writers Association and the Lancashire Authors Association. He currently lives in Preston.