These wonderful aerial pictures highlight how much has essentially stayed the same but also how so much has changed in the past 60 years in some of the areas surrounding Watford.

When a Watford Observer photographer took to the skies in September 1963, the flight afforded a rare opportunity to capture some images of the broader south-west Hertfordshire area.

We published the aerial snaps of Watford last month and today we can show you how Croxley Green, Rickmansworth and Maple Cross looked from above 60 years ago.

Watford Observer: The centre of Rickmansworth viewed from Batchworth. St Mary's Church is in the centre of the picture with the Royal Masonic School for Girls at the top.The centre of Rickmansworth viewed from Batchworth. St Mary's Church is in the centre of the picture with the Royal Masonic School for Girls at the top. (Image: Watford Observer)

Scroll through the images on this page to see how the heart of Rickmansworth and other parts of the town including Mill End and Moneyhill appeared from above at that time.

Watford Observer: The fairways and bunkers of Rickmansworth Golf Club can be seen in the bottom right of this view.The fairways and bunkers of Rickmansworth Golf Club can be seen in the bottom right of this view. (Image: Watford Observer)

The views of Croxley include The Green, New Road and Scots Hill areas, including the Artichoke and Coach & Horses pubs, while Denham Way features in the aerial photographs of Maple Cross.

Watford Observer: The splendour of Moor Park mansionThe splendour of Moor Park mansion (Image: Watford Observer)

The Watford Observer wishes to thank Watford Museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard for her help in identifying the locations in these photos.

Watford Observer: Part of Uxbridge Road and Moneyhill are above the lakes.Part of Uxbridge Road and Moneyhill are above the lakes. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The Metropolitan line curves its way to Chorleywood at the top of the page. At the bottom is the junction of High Street and Park Road.The Metropolitan line curves its way to Chorleywood at the top of the page. At the bottom is the junction of High Street and Park Road. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A little further along the railway line towards the direction of Chorleywood. Rickmansworth Station is in the centre of the picture with its peek roofed platform covering.A little further along the railway line towards the direction of Chorleywood. Rickmansworth Station is in the centre of the picture with its peek roofed platform covering. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Uxbridge Road runs along the bottom of this view.Uxbridge Road runs along the bottom of this view. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The houses in Maple Cross are in the top left of this view,The houses in Maple Cross are in the top left of this view, (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Another view of Maple Cross from the sewage works. Denham Way runs left to right at the top.Another view of Maple Cross from the sewage works. Denham Way runs left to right at the top. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Looking down on Croxley Green. New Road runs from the bottom centre where it meets The Green across the centre of the picture. Just beyond that are The Artichoke, centre, and Coach & Horses, centre right, pubs.Looking down on Croxley Green. New Road runs from the bottom centre where it meets The Green across the centre of the picture. Just beyond that are The Artichoke, centre, and Coach & Horses, centre right, pubs. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Another view of Croxley. Watford Road comes in from the bottom where it meets the junction next to All Saints Church.Another view of Croxley. Watford Road comes in from the bottom where it meets the junction next to All Saints Church. (Image: Watford Observer)