Mary Clayton (nee Cook) wrote from Walberswick with her memories of the street and even drew a plan of which businesses were where.

She said: “My grandfather had a gunsmith’s shop at No 4 Denmark Street in the 1920s and 30s. He died in 1932.

“I was born in Roydon Road and used to go with my father through the pig yard to get the car from the garages at the back of Denmark Street.”

Mrs Clayton’s plan lists businesses including Doubleday Pop Works, Bardwell Wood, Stratton’s Chemist and the Beehive pub, as well as the home of Harry Pursehouse, head of DIss Church School.

“The shoe mender was called Dummy Wade – in an affectionate way of course, his real name was Willie I think.

“I also remember Miss Shorts, who kept the wool shop until after the war. After that I think Charlie Gardener’s wife had it, maybe with her daughter Heather.

“Who the barber was I do not know, but he cut my dad’s hair. I also remember Miss Cornell.

“The house on the corner of the pig yard entrance road was home to the Lester family.

“I think that Stannards at No 3 had a fish and chip shop. I remember Garwood’s sweet shop well as I used to go there often.

“When I was quite small I was given Saturday pennies which I spent at Miss Hurren’s. Miss Philpot’s was a gold mine. I was told that the shelves fell down and never got put up again so hence the chaos.

Local historian Dennis Cross was able to add some pictures to these memories, with a selection of postcards from his vast collection, including one showing Mrs Clayton’s father’s gun shop.

He said: “Denmark Street used to be full of shops but gradually the focus of the town has switched towards the Market Place.

“I remember the sweet shop and going in to get my penny and ha’penny chews. You can see it in the background on the postcard showing the British Legion march in the 1920s.

“Other shops that can be picked out from the cards include Gostling’s, Pestell’s Pork Butchers, the Beehive pub, Cornell’s and J.O. Cook’s shop.”

n What are your memories of Denmark Street’s businesses? Write to Memory Lane, Diss Express, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE or email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk