Playtime fun in the 1970s and 80s

Where are they now? How many of the children featured in this weeks photo selection do you recognise?

These little ones were captured on camera enjoying themselves at various playgroups and clubs throughout South Tyneside, from East Boldon to Jarrow and South Shields.

How many of them do you recognise?

Members of the "Open air youth club" in West Park, Jarrow, in August 1970.

And despite the passing years, the pastimes they appear to favour have changed very little, be it painting or playing on the slide.

What were your favourite pastimes from your childhood, and why did you find them popular?

Who remembers the pungent smell of the Plasticine that came in pristine individually-coloured strips (until they all mixed together) or those great chunky crayons that were both round and square?

And what about the thick gloopy poster paint that little ones always seemed to delight in mixing and then sloshing onto easel-bound bits of paper?

I remember one classmate who used to eat the paint, now he was one colourful character!