IT was almost an essential item in the 1960s and 70s but has long disappeared from the high street.

This week in Yester Years, we are taking a look at the Green Shield Stamp.

Warrington’s shop was based on Buttermarket Street, opposite the old Odeon cinema in the building which now sell school uniforms.

Margaret Hall, from Great Sankey, worked there for more than eight years, six as manager.

She said it was a wonderful company to work for.

She added: “The shop was where you redeemed your Green Shield Stamps which you received with purchases you made for petrol or other groceries for a large ranger of gifts.

“You could even save up for a car if you collected enough.

“Our shop won The Best Shop Trophy for the district six times while I was there and some of us are still friends.

Warrington Guardian:

“I worked there until it closed in the late 1970s. It was a great place to work.”

Among the highlights of her time there was when one of the Charlton brothers came into the shop and ended up signing one of the footballs they had.

Staff and customers also generously fundraised for the Spina Bifida Association

Leftover stamps were used to save up for a television for their holiday caravan in Wales.

Stalls also baked cakes and made jelly as a surprise for the children.

  •  Do you have memories of the Green Shield Stamps?

Then let us know by emailing newsdesk@guardiangrp.co.uk.

Or write to Yester Years, Newsdesk, Warrington Guardian, Unit 4, 240 Cygnet Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1PP.