TODAY we take a trip down memory lane to Christmas Eve in 1975 - when the high streets were still heaving and there was a last minute rush by Greenock shoppers.

Making the front page of the Tele on this day 43 years ago was a story about the town centre shops being packed in Greenock.

The Tele said: "Christmas shoppers queued outside shops in the town this morning waiting for the doors to swing open and let the grand last minute spending spree commence.

"Queues of customers at butchers shops, bakers and greengrocers spilled into the streets as housewives waited to fill their shopping bags with the goodies they hope to grace their tables with tomorrow and - hopefully - Boxing Day.

"By nine o'clock it was almost impossible to find a parking place in any of the main car parks."

Meanwhile, Christmas celebrations were also set to begin at the Greenock Royal Infirmary.

A choir of nurses were preparing to do the rounds of the wards singing carols.

The Tele reported: "Tomorrow most of the patients will tuck into a five-course dinner and then spend two hours in the afternoon with their families and friends."

On this day back in 1975, readers were also asked to spare a thought for the local soldiers in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who were serving in Belfast over Christmas.

It was reported: "Christmas Day for the Argylls will be another working day.

"Last week, a Telegraph writer visited the city, spoke to the many Argylls who are from Inverclyde, and went with them on patrol.

"Although only a handful will be on leave at Christmas, all were in high spirits."

Meanwhile on the festive sports front, Morton faced a tough trip to play old rivals Kilmarnock.

The Tele reported: "Morton could not have it tougher when they travel to Ayrshire tomorrow to play second top Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

"Kilmarnock are undoubtedly one of the most attractive and attack minded teams in the country and in the league match between the two sides at Cappielow in October, the Ayrshire men ran out rather comfortable 3-1 winners."

Unfortunately Killie were to triumph again, winning 3-2 this time.