LACOCK residents were taken back in time in an exhibition of then and now photographs comparing the village of the 1940s with that of the modern day.

The project came about when Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre digitised around 80 photographs depicting the village in the Second World War.

Inspired by the scenes of the village, photographers Bob Bray and David Sage set out to produce similar images of Lacock as it is today.

Mr Bray, 77, said: “It was a really interesting thing to do and it was great to see so many people come through the doors for the exhibition.

“Over the weekend there must have been around 750 come in to see it and they were from all over the place, from Spain, France, all over.

“I know you get the tourists coming through Lacock but there was a lot of interest. I do not think that anything like this has been done before here.”

A book entitled, Lacock – A Changing Village, is available for £5 and is on sale at various places around the village and the history centre.

The photographs were digitised as part of the £500,000 Lacock Unlocked Heritage Lottery Fund project with the exhibition taking place last weekend at the village hall and Manor Room.

Mr Bray added: “We were asked by the heritage centre to do it but while we were talking to people we realised that there was a lot more in it.

“The project just got bigger and bigger and we ended up doing the book and then the exhibition.”

Stuart Wheeler, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for heritage and arts, said: “The Lacock Unlocked project demonstrates how Wiltshire Council, through the history centre, is supporting local communities and individuals to volunteer and get involved in a wide range of local heritage activities.

"I am delighted people will have an opportunity see some of the wonderful work the Lacock Positive Camera Club has produced.”