From this newspaper 100 years ago. -The imbeciles of Stokesley workhouse were brought before the Guardian's Committee.

They appeared in good health and had no complaints to make. The medical officer's half-yearly report on the workhouse was submitted, in which he expressed himself happy with all matters connected to the management of the house.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Northallerton firemen successfully tackled one of their most dirtiest and difficult tasks, after a heifer fell into a sewerage well.

It had careered across a field at Brompton when low-flying jet aircraft passed overhead, jumped over a wall and alighted on the wooden cover of the deep shaft, which was full of fluid matter.

A woman found the heifer turned over and wedged ten feet down the shaft.

RSPCA senior inspector A Jackson was called, along with men from Northallerton Fire Brigade. They then called a breakdown van with a crane.

Insp Jackson, said: "The cow was wedged as tightly as it could be. To have any chance of saving the animal, we had to break down a dividing wall at the bottom of the shaft.

"The firemen went down into the tank of sewerage. It was terribly difficult, dirty work. The conditions were filthy."

Fireman W Pender, who has an RSPCA award for rescuing a cat from a high tree, managed to pass a sling under the animal. This was attached the to the van. After three hours' work, the beast was brought to the surface.

It weighted 7 cwt and had been in a space measuring 2ft by 4ft. It suffered severe bruising and broke a horn while struggling.

There was a cheer when it appeared at the surface. It was exhausted but, after resting for a while, it began grazing again.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Local, regional and national Labour Party representatives were among the mourners at Christ Church, Great Ayton, for the funeral service of Bill Cardwell.

Mr Cardwell was involved in politics throughout his life and was widely respected by political friends and opponents.

He helped found Great Ayton, Stokesley and District Labour Party. A craftsman joiner by trade, he was party agent and stood in the 1976 district elections.

In 1949, he joined Great Ayton Parish Council and was a member with just one break until his recent death.