Hornchurch has had a wide range of shops over the years so we have looked back at historic images of some of the town's retailers.

From the 1960s onwards, we have selected a range of photos that reflect Hornchurch's diverse retail venues, from a sweet shop in Billet Lane to a Woolworths in Elm Park Avenue.

They also include Hillview Stores and Dairy, which survived for decades before being replaced by a bakery and a constituency office.

Nelson Tobacconist & Sweet Shop in Billet Lane circa 1963

Romford Recorder: Nelson’s tobacconist and sweet shop circa 1963Nelson’s tobacconist and sweet shop circa 1963 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

To the right hand side you can see Nelson's tobacconist and sweet shop, sat next to FG Newton and Sons furniture store.

Arcadian Radio and Television lies to the left and vintage technological wares can be seen in its shop windows.

These shops were at 163-165 Billet Lane in the 1960s.

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Save the Children in Station Lane in 1988

Romford Recorder: Save the Children in Hornchurch in 1988Save the Children in Hornchurch in 1988 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This picture was taken by Gilbert Marson in 1988, according to Havering Libraries, and to the centre left you can see the Save the Children charity shop.

On the right you can also see Comet Hire Centre at 42 Station Lane which was used for plant and machinery hire.

HG Holt Chemists in Butts Green Road circa 1963

Romford Recorder: HG Holt chemist on Butts Green Road circa 1963HG Holt chemist on Butts Green Road circa 1963 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

To the centre right you can see HG Holt chemist.

Havering Libraries pointed out other businesses in Butts Green Road, including Grove Cars, which is on the far left, and WJ Meek.

The advert on the pavement outside Meek's was for ice cream, Havering Libraries added.

Woolworths and Target Dry Cleaners in Elm Park Avenue in 1997

Romford Recorder: Woolworths can be seen to the far rightWoolworths can be seen to the far right (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Elm Park Avenue has had a wealth of businesses, notably Woolworths pictured on the far right.

You can also see the Imperial Cancer Research shop to the left and Target Dry Cleaners in the middle.

Parish & Summerfield butchers in North Street circa 1960

Romford Recorder: The businesses were soon to be demolishedThe businesses were soon to be demolished (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

This grainy photo was taken around the 1960s.

It shows the premises at 6-10 North Street not long before they were demolished, according to Havering Libraries.

Hillview Stores and Dairy in Butts Green Road circa 1960s-70s

Romford Recorder: The shop opened around 1930 as a dairy The shop opened around 1930 as a dairy (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Hillview Stores and Dairy were run by Alice Mary Smith Patten and Emmeline Dorothea Guest from around 1930, according to Havering Libraries.

It last appeared in the telephone directory in 1982 and Alice Patten died on August 30 in 1985.

This photo was taken before Christmas as you can see trees to the middle and is likely dated from the 1960s or 70s, Havering Libraries added.

Godfreys of Hornchurch, a baker, and the Conservative Party Constituency Office for Hornchurch and Upminster are now in place of the stores and dairy, Havering Libraries previously said.