His newly-acquired postcards show Gissing Post Office in the early years of the last century, Tivetshall Mill in about 1923 and Roydon Road almost 100 years ago.

The Gissing building is still there, now a private house, and Mr Cross said: "I went to the village to see what has changed and was surprised how easily I could spot the house. The other buildings have all been converted but the post office is on the left as you head out of Gissing up The Street."

The postmaster was Barwood Brooks, who also doubled up as the village wheelwright.

The second card shows a typical Norfolk sight of the 1920s.

"Virtually every village had a mill and this was a tower mill with four sails," said Mr Cross.

George Self was the mill owner but was a farmer as well as a miller.

The final view shows Roydon Road in 1912, well before the town came to the country. The photographer was standing at the junction with Louie's Lane and Croft Lane, looking towards Roydon.

The entrance to Hall Hills, then a large house rather than the present street, can just be made out on the right.

Several of the trees are still standing, although they have grown massively in the intervening 96 years.

Anyone interested in local history has the chance to find more ancient views of south Norfolk and north Suffolk next Saturday, October 11, 10am-4.30pm, when the Norfolk Postcard Club holds its annual fair in Norwich.

More than 35 local and national dealers will be at St Andrews Hall.

Mr Cross said: "People are always asking me where I get my cards and whether I have views of their street or village. This gives everyone the chance to get their own.

"It is one of the biggest fairs in the east and dealers will have all manner of cards, from local views to sport and cartoons. There will be thousands of subjects.

"It is the ideal place to go for anyone looking to start collecting."

Admission is 50p and includes a limited edition postcard. Call 01263 825053 for details.

Can you add any information to these three views or do you have old pictures of the area you want information about? Write to Memory Lane, Diss Express, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE or email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk