This week, we are taking a look back 20 years to the Herald's top stories and photos from December 2003.

Who can you spot in these photos?

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: sheep

A farming family camouflaged their sheep in a bid to scare off attacks by the Beast of Ardrossan in December 2003.

Charlie Brayley – who kept eight sheep as pets on the family farm on the outskirts of Dalry – came up with the idea of giving her fleecy flock a multi-coloured makeover after studying sightings of predatory.

In one case, the infamous Beast of Ardrossan was cornered by on-duty police officers near the town centre before the allegedly huge ‘panther-like creature’ escaped.

The Herald put the story on the front page of that week's paper - with the headline 'Bleach Of The Fleece'...

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Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: winton

A great time was enjoyed by everyone at the Winton Primary School 2003 festive fayre.

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Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: specs

Santa stopped off at Dickson Opticians in December 2013 to present a special gift to staff after they won the best-dressed festive window competition in Saltcoats.

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Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: whitlees

Ardrossan’s annual Santa Parade was a big success in December 2003. Whitlees Gala Queen Claire McKie, 12, was the event’s official Snow Queen and ruled over the proceedings wearing a stunning white winter dress crowned by a glimmering tiara.

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Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: beith yf

Beith and District Young Farmers annual variety show proved another roaring success over three nights at the Magnum Theatre.

The producers, choreographers and 34-member cast packed the Irvine venue for their showcase, School Daze in Vegas.

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Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Ardeer Primary pupils celebrated winning an art competition in 2003

Pupils from Ardeer Primary won an art competition by drawing their dream neighbourhood in 2003.

They were presented with their prizes by councillor Sam Taylor, NAC’s property services chairman, and local member Councillor Nan Wallace.