From the Rubik’s Cube to leg warmers and the Walkman, there were plenty of crazes to keep kids and adults alike entertained in the 1980s before the time of mass mobile phone usage, social media and Netflix. Another huge part of the decade was roller skating.

It became an everyday activity for many people with roller rinks filled with fun and laughter as some roller skaters sped around with ease, while others clung to the sides – or another person – for dear life as they struggled to keep their balance.

These pictures from our archive were taken by a Watford Observer photographer at Watford Leisure Centre in January 1987 and captured roller skaters of all ages having fun with four wheels attached to the bottom of each foot.

(Image: Watford Observer)

Whether you were a keen roller skater or not, we hope you enjoy looking through them – you may even spot someone you recognise trying not to take a tumble.

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)

(Image: Watford Observer)