They trawled the streets in all weathers collecting clothing vital to the shoddy trade of Leeds and the Heavy Woollen District. These photos pay tribute to the rag and bone men who you may remember from back in the day. Some collected on foot while others used a cart, sometimes pulled by a horse or pony. The images are a mix from the YEP archive as well as others published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service and the David Atkinson Archive whose collection is housed on photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Richmond Hill
The yard of K Shann & Sons Rag and Metal Merchants on Aysgarth Road in October 1966. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
8. Meanwood
Scrap dealer Arthur Hall, right, with a rag and bone man at his Meanwood Road site in October 1991. | YPN Photo: YPN
9. Leeds
Rag and bone man Arthur Broadhead with his faithful workmate 'Grade One' pictured in December 1964. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Little London
Tommy Dobson and Billy Boy make their way up a steep hill in December 1970. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Chapeltown
A rag and bone man cuts a lonely figure on the streets in 1980. | YPN Photo: YPN