1989 was a year of change, character and plenty of memorable moments across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Staffordshire.
From busy factories and striking workers to high street scenes, community campaigns, local celebrations and everyday moments, these archive pictures offer a glimpse of how the region looked more than 35 years ago.
There are familiar faces, places that have changed and even a few intriguing mysteries along the way. Take a trip back to 1989 and see how many people, businesses and landmarks you can remember.
- Missed our gallery of Wolverhampton in 1980? See the pictures here.
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25. A giant hippo brings smiles to hospital children
A six-foot hippo mascot from Silentnight beds brings some fun to children at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley in May 1989. Staff Nurse Andra Nunn is pictured with Joanna Hill, Aaron Steen and fellow young patients during the unusual visit. Do you remember seeing characters like this making special visits to local hospitals? | Express & Star archive
26. A very different kind of visit from "Margaret Thatcher"
An ambulance controller dressed in a Spitting Image-style Margaret Thatcher mask greets crews at the West Midlands Ambulance headquarters in Dudley in November 1989. The joke-shop disguise was part of a light-hearted stand-in for the Duke of Kent, who had been due to open the new control centre but cancelled his visit during an 11-week dispute. Do you remember the ambulance dispute of 1989, or this unusual protest? | Express & Star archive
27. A dramatic moment at the waste disposal plant
Eric Ward and Nita-Marie Farmer are pictured after a crane smashed through the metal gates at Leigh Interests' waste disposal plant on Stubbers Green Road, Aldridge, in July 1989. The incident happened as protesters were attempting to blockade the site, narrowly missing those involved. Do you remember the protests at Stubbers Green Road, or the controversy surrounding the waste plant? | Express & Star archive
28. A touch of Hollywood comes to Wednesbury
Artist Mike Bell puts the finishing touches to a mural of famous film stars at Strawberrys nightclub on Leabrook Road, Wednesbury, in March 1989. The colourful artwork brought a splash of Hollywood glamour to one of the area's popular nightspots. Do you remember Strawberrys, or spotting this mural on a night out? | Express & Star archive