THIS weeks Life Through a Lens adjusts its focus to July 1959.

Cricket was clearly the flavour of the month, with Daily Echo photographers taking pictures of various local teams. These included Weston Sports. Trojans, Pirelli General, Ludlow Road School and Deanery.

Boat designer, sailing enthusiast and yachtsman Uffa Fox was in town to sign copies of his book Sailing Boats.

Sun worshippers were happy to hang out at the lido during a heatwave, while fans of the silver screen were saddened to see The Gaiety cinema at 169 High Street demolished.

While all the people in these photos were busy smiling for the camera, this is what was taking place nationally:

July

Cliff Richard and The Drifters –who later became The Shadows – released a recording of Living Doll. The song, written by Lionel Bart, was the first UK Sales Chart number one single for the group.

July 28

Postcodes were introduced to the UK for the first time. They were rolled out first in the city of Norwich as part of an experiment.

July 29

Three laws were passed – the Mental Health Act, Obscene Publications Act and Legitimacy Act.