Shoppers young, as well as those older, were saddened when a Watford High Street institution closed its doors for the final time 19 years ago.

Clements department store was one of the go-to destinations in the town for a whole host of goods and products for more than a century – including toys.

These enchanting pictures are among the oldest in the Watford Observer’s archive and date back more than 60 years.

They were taken in Clements toy department on December 6, 1962 and provide a wonderful glimpse back to what were likely to be among the popular requests for gifts from Santa that Christmas.

Take a look through the 12 pictures on this page and they may rekindle your own memories of Hornby model trains, Scalextric racing sets and puppets. You may also spot someone you recognise?

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