There were plenty of big stories in the Chronicle 20 years ago this week, with some shocking vandalism, a memorial to Covenanters and some school prizewinners hitting the headlines

Here are a few of the photos which appeared in our late July 2004 edition.

(Image: Newsquest)

New Cumnock’s memorial cairn dedicated to the 13 men who died in the 1950 Knockshinnoch disaster suffered appalling vandalism in late July 2004. Local councillor Jimmy Carmichael hit out: “Local people went through hell during the Knockshinnoch disaster. It is disgusting that a memorial to the dead and to remember the struggles of those who survived the disaster has been desecrated.” Local miner Alex Montgomery is pictured beside the vandalised monument.

(Image: Newsquest)

Meet some of New Cumnock’s Cairnhill Primary prizewinners from 2004. Champions were Stevie Rae (boys' swimming), Emma McCreath (leadership prize), John Shankland (boys' sports) and Stacey Carmichael (girls' sports).

(Image: Newsquest)

A profoundly deaf Dalmellington woman was ready for action after setting up her own film company. Mainstream Pictures was launched in 2004  by E.J. Raymond, who wanted to help disabled people gain access to the film/tv industry.

(Image: Newsquest)

Craigens lad Brian McLelland, 16, was one of the first to benefit from the wheels to work programme, run by the Coalfields Community Trust, where young people could rent a scooter for £2.50 per week to help them access employment and training opportunities. He is pictured with members of the Trust team.

(Image: Newsquest)

Modern-day Covenanters flocked to Aird’s Moss to remember those who fell in battle on the site in 1680. The stretch of moorland between Muirkirk and Cronberry has a memorial which marks the scene of a bloody clash between Covenanters and Government troops.

(Image: Newsquest)

Youngsters got the chance to act up in July 2004 as the Cumnock-based Investment in Drama project visited Yipworld.com to amuse children aged from six upwards.