One of the most popular forms of family entertainment in the 1980s was sitting down together to watch a game or quiz show on TV. Programmes including Blankety Bank, the Generation Game and Family Fortunes became huge hits – and so did one that involved answering questions to get across or down a game board of hexagons.

First aired on ITV in August 1983, the original incarnation of Blockbusters ran for ten series and became a much-loved favourite in its late afternoon viewing slot, ensuring it still remains the show Bob Holness is best remembered for.

The late presenter took a break from the TV studios in July 1989 to open a summer fair at Leavesden Hospital.

(Image: Watford Observer)

A Watford Observer photographer was present to capture these archive images of Holness happily posing with visitors to the fete, and getting to grips with a chess board with a difference with gnomes as the pieces.

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)