How Christmas looked 65 years ago - and look at the gifts you could buy!

It was the era of Barbie, Meccano and Elvis hitting the top of the charts.

- by Chris Cordner

Christmas in South Tyneside in 1960 was a grand time and I have memories galore to share with you.

For example, Masons the chemists was the place to be if you wanted to buy aftershave.

The chain of shops in King Street, Ocean Road, Mile End Road and Westoe Road sold the Busy Man's Bar, which was yours for 22/6.

It contained aftershave lotion, hairdressing cream and cologne in dispenser bottles.

For the younger generation, it was an era when Barbie dolls were getting into full swing.