Vintage pictures reveal how Bexley residents have been keeping fit over the years

Erith gymnasts are shown balancing on each other in an incredible feat of skill in 1918 while a 1921 Sidcup fun run shows ladies racing each other in long dresses and hats.

Bexley Archives and Local Studies, based at Central Library, in Townley Road, Bexleyheath, released the photos on Twitter to show more about past inhabitants and their hobbies.

Local Studies Librarian Will Cooban said: "We decided to share these pictures via social media because it’s a great and quick way to share local history images to a wide new audience"

"The archives are a great resource because they remind us that our local predecessors were also real people, living full and  fascinating lives – even if in very different times to our own.

"One of my favourite pictures is of the Hides Supermarket in Bexleyheath, back in 1950.

"It shows the new look cash registers, the weighing machines, the shop signs, as well as reminding us how food shopping has changed since those days – and how little there was to choose."

 Residents can visit the Archives and Local Studies if they want to trace the history of their family, house, famous Bexley people, landmarks or events and staff can help direct to the best resources.

For more information, email archives@bexley.gov.uk