Book showcases Gorleston's transformation through 100 photos

John McBride, 75, from Warren Road, Gorleston, was inspired by his parents' postcard collection and his fascination with the town's history.

His book, Gorleston Then and Now, compares century-old images of the town with photographs of their current state.

Mr McBride said: "My parents collected postcards of Gorleston but I wanted to see where the buildings came from."

The book features 100 photographs (Image: Submitted)

His research began as a teenager, spending Saturdays at Yarmouth Library, studying old copies of the Yarmouth Mercury.

This, along with examining street directories and books, led to his first publication in 1998, A Diary of Great Yarmouth.

This was followed by the Yarmouth Compendium in 2012, an illustrated history of the town.

The idea for his latest book was sparked by the Gorleston Community Magazine.

Mr McBride said: "I was approached to write some articles.

Hospital Sunday at Gorleston (Image: Submitted)

"My initial reaction was to say there wasn’t enough material for just Gorleston.

"I did some about the railway.

"Then I started the Then and Now series.

"I thought six would be enough but I started collecting more postcards, and I’m still getting them."

Mr McBride took photographs to compare the old scenes with the way the streets and buildings look today.

Photograph shows the pavilion with Balcony (Image: Submitted)

He has incorporated around 60 articles with another 40 to create his book.

Many of his 300 postcards were originally produced by photographers Jackson’s Faces, who had a shop and studio on Gorleston’s Lower Promenade.

Mr McBride's book, with its combination of pictures and facts, provides reminders of the past, including the holiday camp, the long-lost railway line, and the beach full of council and privately owned huts.

Gorleston Then and Now is priced at £10.99 and is available from Gorleston High Street shops Music Lovers and What is Hip?