It was the year Margaret Thatcher's government grappled with recession and rising unemployment, steelworkers went on strike and the SAS stormed the Iranian Embassy. Britain celebrated Olympic gold for Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett, while the murder of John Lennon shocked the world.
But what was happening closer to home? This was Preston in 1980...
1. Vietnam War comes to Preston
Enjoying a great British occasion with Preston's mayor, Coun Dennis Kehoe, were these two families of Vietnamese boat people, who had just moved into their new home in Marlefield Close, Ingol. The homes were provided jointly by Preston Council and the Central Lancashire Development Corporation | Johnston Press
2. Summer fun
Fireman Kevin O'Shea gets a soaking from the children, in the stocks at Preston Fire Brigade Summer Fair in 1980. It was held to raise money for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund. | Johnston Press
3. Roll with it
These kids are homing in on the latest craze to hit Preston - roller skating. They are packing into the sports hall at Fulwood Leisure Centre to partake in a range of sports, but roller skating tops the bill | Johnston Press
4. Bird's eye view
Looking north east over Preston Dock / Adelphi / Moor Park in 1980. The shot provides an 11th hour view of the port that closed in 1981 | Contributed