Dear reader,

We’re nearly there! With further easing of lockdown restrictions starting from next Monday, and the exciting prospect of legal hugs, we wanted to take a moment to embrace Preston's past. 

So as you prepare to reacquaint yourself with the city that you know and love, please enjoy these articles we have selected from our archive, which show just how much we have all been through in the 135 years that we have been publishing the Lancashire Evening Post:

• Here are 13 things that happened first in Preston - how many did you know?
• Fascinating history of General Elections in Preston
• This is how Lancashire looked in 1989

We look forward to continuing to tell Preston's stories for generations to come, but we rely on the support of our readers to make that possible. Subscribe today to keep quality local news sustainable, or learn more about the heritage of the Lancashire Evening Post.

Best wishes, 

The team at the Lancashire Evening Post