It was the year of the nuclear reactor disaster at Chernobyl and the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, while England’s dreams of World Cup glory were dashed by Diego Maradona and his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal as Argentina handed out a quarter final defeat.
Here are 31 pictures from around Northumberland in 1986.
5. St George's Day parade
People braved the wet weather to watch the St George's Day parade through Alnwick. Photo: staff
6. Wooler Carnival
Dawn Levi was the Wooler Carnival Queen. Photo: staff
7. Road race
Runners making their way out of Morpeth in the annual road race to Newcastle. Photo: staff
8. Thropton School
Thropton School when it was threatened with closure. Photo: staff