The Co Antrim hall is now home to Imagery Studios, which is helping those who dream of living in a bygone era, such as the 1920s and the 1930s, to sample in a small way how life was back then.

It has a plethora of costumes reflecting fashions and styles through the ages, especially the early part of the 20th century.

And people are queuing up at the photography studio to have their picture taken wearing them.

Robert Smyth is the man behind Imagery Studios.

He trained in accountancy and won third place in the Shell Livewire competition for business start-ups on running his own company, Candy Castle Confectionery, in the 1980s.

He used to make honeycomb and Yellowman for the Oul' Lammas Fair in Ballycastle.

But life's ups and downs intervened and his own personal circumstances were changing so he branched out into photography five years ago.

"I started out doing landscape photography and then I had a few ideas to create a new business," he explained.

"Imagery is unlike most other photography studios. We have a vast amount of props and costumes to offer, such as over 500 dresses ranging from the 1920s to the present day."

Mr Smyth believes the venture is the only one of its kind in Ireland - and 40% of his customers are from the Republic.

"We're also getting people from France and Germany coming to us who are interested in location photography. We've some fantastic scenery nearby and it's the perfect spot. I'm an Antrim man myself so I know the area very well. "

Robert hires out the 1,000 sq ft studio on the Staffordstown Road, including all props and equipment, by the hour.

He prides himself on running a business where people can learn and practice photography.

He added: "The studio is open to anyone who has ever had an interest in learning how to take better pictures.

"If you are a budding photographer, or a professional who has great photography ideas but nowhere suitable to work, this is the place for you.

"In terms of what to photograph, it's really up to you. You can bring a friend, a model, the kids, a dog, a bunch of flowers, it really doesn't matter."

The studios have just been revamped to free up more space for taking pictures.

Mr Smyth has also added a new waiting area which can double up as a living room set.