EACH week in the Free Press we look back at what made the news 150, 100, 50 and 25 years ago. Here is a sample of the items featuring in the This Was The News column this week.

150 years ago – February 20th 1869

Nearly 800 salmon were hatched in the tanks at the museum of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. As soon as they were strong enough, they would be transferred to the River Tone.

100 years ago – February 22nd 1919

Sir Thomas Acland died at his Killerton seat at the age of 77. In 1917, he arranged with the National Trust a 500-year lease whereby the trust obtained control over some 8000 acres of Exmoor, including a great part of the valleys of Horner and Sweetworthy, Cloutsham Farm, Tarr Steps, Winsford Hill and the wider part of North Hill, Minehead.

50 years ago – February 22md 1969

A driving gale force north-east wind combined with 24ft tides brought the worst flooding conditions for 60 years to Quay Street, Minehead. The sea was whipped up to frightening proportions by the wind, and doors and windows were barricaded.

25 years ago – February 25th 1994

Ice and snow forced Crowcombe Playgroup to move its pancake day races into the warmth of its base at Crowcombe Court. It was a fundraising event for new equipment.