Looking back... Rathcoole teen crowned hula hoop champion

Sixteen-year-old Ray Gillespie, from Bencrom Park, managed to maintain a spin for more than five minutes. She was the proud winner of a silver cup.

The runner-up was 17-year-old Jean Hunter, from Trooperslane.

Six hundred people turned out for the championship event on Boxing Night although just three competitors took part. The event was held in the Jubilee Hall, at Carrick Town Hall.

According to a report in the Larne Times, the judges were “at a loss to record the spins” so they left the decision to spectators.

The winner of the juvenile section was a tie between Carrick teenagers Linda Magill, from Castle Street and Jacqueline Honen, daughter of the captain of Barn Motor Boat and Sailing Club.