CHRISTMAS wouldn’t have been the same for many local youngsters of the 1970s without the Daily Echo’s children’s party.

Every year a dinner, dance and show would entertain children and spread festive cheer.

Feasts were scoffed, crackers pulled, and tissue-paper crowns donned.

Santa would always drop in to have a chat with the youngsters and to present each of them with a gift.

The pictures on this page are from the party which took place in December 1978.