THESE smiling faces belong to night shift workers at Automotive Products Company in Bolton who were off on their annual outing to Blackpool in August 1974.

Their trip would be taking place as part of a long tradition of workers' days' out which were enjoyed by staff from various firms, all over Bolton and beyond, during this period.

It was a way for the bosses to treat their staff and a way for staff members to enjoy spending time together away from their work environment.

This was a time when the Bolton holiday fortnight in the summer and the September holiday week were proudly observed by many factories, mills and businesses with Bolton virtually closing down while all the workers headed for the seaside — usually Blackpool.

Today these traditions are not so regularly observed but we imagine there will be many Looking Back readers who can recall trips to the seaside from work or, indeed, the holiday fortnight breaks when Trinity Street Station would be packed with holiday makers heading out of Bolton for the coast.

If you do have any memories you would enjoy talking about we would love to hear them. Contact Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk