THESE pictures certainly show how Breightmet has changed over the years.

The area’s name derives from ‘bright meadow’, reflecting the area’s pastoral nature before it was developed as overspill for Manchester.

One of the images, dating from 1949, shows residents marvelling at the introduction of new sodium street lamps.

And that's not the only bright idea featured in the pictures. In 1973, a national tree planting scheme saw Breightmet become 'Breightermet' thanks to the colourful addition of dozens of saplings.

Community answers

Breightmet through the ages

"Have you always lived in Breightmet? Perhaps you've moved away and have happy memories. We'd love to hear your stories and receive your photographs of Breightmet over the years. "

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Zoe Thomson

What is your response?Bright meadows Christian fellowship Winchester way breightmet

Your pictures

The Bolton News: Bright meadows Christian fellowship Winchester way breightmetBright meadows Christian fellowship Winchester way breightmet

An interesting shot from 1971 documents the strange case of a house on which renovation had ground to a halt ten years earlier. The house in Bury Road had remained incomplete for a decade, marring the view down Chiltern Drive towards Bury New Road.

In a scene that looked destined to be a thing of the past - until Bolton Council's recent, welcome announcement - one of the pictures shows a school crossing patrol, while another shows happy youngsters on their way to school.

The view from Toothill Bridge in 1989 shows the lowland areas between Breightmet rise and Crompton Way that would eventually be conserved for wildlife and nature, today known as Seven Acres Country Park.