Take a trip down memory lane with our wonderful photographic celebration of East Anglian life through the decades. Today we take a nostalgic look back at Wells-next-the-Sea, a picturesque port town on the North Norfolk coast.

Eastern Daily Press: Beach Road railway in Wells, dated 9th July 1984. Photo: Archant libraryBeach Road railway in Wells, dated 9th July 1984. Photo: Archant library (Image: Archant Library)

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the name Wells is thought to derive from the 180 clear spring wells which were once to be found in the town.

It has long been a thriving tourist resort, with its vast stretch of sand lined with colourful beach huts and quaint quayside where youngsters carry on the tradition of hundreds of years of fishing by dangling crabbing lines over the side into the water below. The little harbour railway which connects the beach and quay first opened in 1976 - and more than 80,000 passengers took 1.1km trip in the first two years alone.

The oldest and most traditional event in the town is the annual carnival which has long celebrated Wells rich coastal heritage, with a colourful parade and community events drawing huge crowds every summer.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells lifeboat crew members in January 1999. Photo: Archant libraryWells lifeboat crew members in January 1999. Photo: Archant library (Image: Archant Library)

Copies of the images featured in this story are available to buy via our photo sales website or alternatively can be ordered by phone on 01603 772449.

Eastern Daily Press: A view of Wells from the top of the Church Tower, dated 26th October 1957. Photo: Archant libraryA view of Wells from the top of the Church Tower, dated 26th October 1957. Photo: Archant library (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells raft race, 23rd August 1992. Photo: Archant libraryWells raft race, 23rd August 1992. Photo: Archant library (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: People enjoying the sun, sea and sand at Wells beach in 1967. Picture: Archant libraryPeople enjoying the sun, sea and sand at Wells beach in 1967. Picture: Archant library