The opening of the new-look Woolworth store in Watford High Street on Friday was quite a sporting occasion.

In the morning, large crowds gathered to see world champion motor cyclist Barry Sheene, who came to the town with his girlfriend Stephanie McLean.

He stayed for over two hours and signed nearly 1,000 autographs before he left for Donington Park to practise for a race meeting on Sunday.

Former England cricketers David Steele and John Snow made a personal appearance in the store during the afternoon and proved to be just as popular.

They came as a last-minute replacement for Geoff Boycott who was unable to attend because of a playing commitment.

[From the Watford Observer of July 14, 1978]