From the archives of the Ayrshire Post

25 YEARS AGO

Gail McClure of Patna is now 70lbs lighter.

And she’s just been voted I M Slimming Slimmer of the Year.

By losing five stones, Gail, 30, has won £ 100 and she’ll buy clothes in a svelte 10/ 12. A far cry from her previous size 18.

Gail, mother to Stacey, 3, and 18- month- old Martin , is matron of Doonbank House Nursing Home.

She said: “I didn’t have a sweet tooth, but I liked eating a lot of cheese and fatty foods.

“High fat content foods were my problem.” She dipped from 13st 12lbs to 8st 12lbs.

50 YEARS AGO

The Royal Bank of Scotland wish to spend £ 130,000 on demolition of existing buildings at 26- 32 Sandgate, 2- 8 Fort Street and 24 Fort Street for the erection of a new bank building.

This will include offices on the upper floor and the formation of a private car park.

The application was continued for more detailed discussion, but the same company was granted permission to spend £ 55,000 on the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a new bank at 2 Beresford Terrace.

100 YEARS AGO

Ayr Burgh Police pay is being increased.

An Inspector on £ 310 a year will rise to £ 350; a Superintendent from £ 370 to £ 430 and a Chief Constable increases to £ 550.

The allowance of £ 12 per annum to plain clothes officers will continue.

Ayr Town Council hope it will only be on special occasions that overtime requires to be paid.

No overtime is to be paid to officers over the rank of sergeant.