This week we're taking a look back 20 years to the best stories and pics from the Ayr Advertiser in September 2003.

Who can you spot in these pictures?

Ayr Advertiser: Bear

There were some unusual sights in the town centre as a colourful cavalcade weaved its way through town to launch the Ayr Festival.

Giant bears, seagulls and other street performers turned heads as they made their way from the Low Green to officially launch the 2003 event.

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Ayr Advertiser: Ice hockey

These young players from Ayr Ice Hockey Club also joined in the parade.

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Ayr Advertiser: Bill Barr

BARR Holdings pulled the plug on Ayr United, selling their entire stake in the club to a Californian businessman - and Bill Barr, pictured, stood down as chairman of the club, citing ill health.

Barr’s 77 per cent stake in the Honest Men had been bought by Glasgow-born Donald Cameron, the Californian-based tycoon who had been deputy chairman at Ayr for the past 10 years.

Taking over as chairman of the club would be former deputy Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, John Duncan.

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Ayr Advertiser: Road

A number of P6 and P7 pupils from South Ayrshire were appointed as Junior Road Safety Officers. They would be responsible for maintaining a road safety notice board, running competitions within the school and talking at their school assemblies on road safety issues. They are pictured with South Ayrshire Councillor Bobby Campbell.

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Ayr Advertiser: Strongwoman Jackie Young pulls a car along Ayr Main Street

Strongwoman Jackie Young pulled a car along Ayr Main Street to publicise the opening of ScotNursing’s new branch in the town.

Carer Jackie, from Stevenston, finished second in the 2003 Strongest Woman competition.

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Ayr Advertiser: Barr Primary

Meet the six-strong new P1  intake at Barr Primary in 2003 - suitably smart in their red sweatshirts.