HISTORIAN Andy Binks is showcasing photographs of Swindon through the ages and telling tales about the town’s history during an event at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery tonight.

The event at the centre in Bath Road starts at 7.30pm and will feature images of Swindon dating from the 1860s through to the present day. Andy, 59, has held several talks in the town, starting with his Man With a Stick series five years ago, and he believes his latest will be an eye-opener for residents.

Andy, who lives in Old Town, said: “The images come from the archive of thousands that photography group Swindon Society has and It has been quite a task to whittle them down. I like to try and make a story with a good flow. I do feature things that are going on now, like the new cinema site, but people tend to be fascinated by the older pictures.

“We get quite a good mix of people with older people sometimes remembering some of the things featured and young people in total shock at what the town used to look like and have.”

The talk will feature images of old buildings and royal visits to Swindon. Andy, who moved to the town from Yorkshire aged 10, hopes to hold the event at other venues in the future.

Andy, Swindon Society’s publicity officer, said: “We’ll see how everything goes on Friday but I think people will enjoy it as it is interesting to see how things have changed and I like to add a bit of humour and fun to the talks so it should be a good bit of entertainment.”

For details, call 01793 466556.