The history of a small village on the Solway was thrown into the spotlight as images of its bustling past as a railway and canal route were unearthed.

Old photographs and talk of bygone days brought people together in Port Carlisle as part of a celebration event.

Visitors and villagers looked at pictures of the old canal and railway and reminisced about the past.

The village - on the site of Hadrian's Wall - became a hive of activity following the opening of the Carlisle Canal in 1823.

By 1853 the canal had closed and work began to convert it to a railway.

Sue Gallagher, from the community group in charge of the event, helped organise it.

She said: "It was lovely. We had a mix of people attending.

"You think you've seen all the photos from the past and then another one pops up. They're great to see."

The photographic exhibition was held in the Methodist chapel.

The village received some funding from the North of England Civic Trust for the celebration.

It also helped pay for a new interpretation board about the village.

This shows the sights of historical importance and a map of Port Carlisle.

Sue said: "Rose Lord from the North of England Civic Trust has been great.

"She supported us from the word go in getting this board.

"She really has been instrumental. She is a real mover and shaker and always sees a challenge as an opportunity."

The celebration also saw a trail around the village, a children's party and folk music in the Hope and Anchor pub in the evening.

Carlisle historian David Ramshaw gave a talk about the canal and railway.

"About 40 people attended that," said Sue.

"And then they went for lunch in the pub afterwards."

The group now plans to press on with other ideas.

Sue said: "We would like to get a postcard of the village with the interpretation board on and put it in the chapel and pub for people to buy.

"We'd also like to get a leaflet produced as well.

"And we have plans for another board but this time about the wonderful wildlife on the Solway.

"We have wonderful natural surroundings here - the birds, the skies, the moss and the haaf netting."

Sue moved to Port Carlisle from Berkshire in 1971 and says it most definitely feels a part of her now.

"I love it," she said.

Money for the board also came from Bowness-on-Solway Parish Council and the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme.