THE stories of three mill workers have been uncovered after a successful appeal by Radcliffe Heritage Society.

A photograph depicting seven workers inside an old Radcliffe mill was shared by the Bury Times in October.

A dozen responses have helped identify the site as Walker Allen Textiles Finishers, based in Hollybank Street, photographed in the 1970s.

The search has sparked memories of bygone times, with the relatives of three women responding to the Society.

Natalie Lambert, a member of the heritage group, said: "The only information we had to go off in October was that the photo was taken in a textiles factory based in Radcliffe and we had no names of anyone on the photo.

"The newspaper appeal helped us identify three women after their relatives got in touch."

Pictured far left is the late Edna Holden, of Belgrave Street, who was mum-of-one to a son who now lives in Little Lever.

She was described as a fantastic painter and talented singer, who regularly attended church in Ainsworth Road.

However, she contracted meningitis in the late 70s which damaged her eyesight, leaving her partially-sighted in later life. Edna died around 12 years ago.

Information has also been provided for the woman seated in the photograph - now known to be Dorothy Bradley.

Dorothy was described as a popular lady, with almost every respondent saying they recognised her.

She was a machinist at Walker-Allens, but led a colourful life, working as both a cook at the Duke William Pub in Ainsworth, and as a nurse.

Originally from Radcliffe, Dorothy moved to Ainsworth when her children were young and spent the majority of her life there.

She was married to Leslie Cranshaw Bradley and had four children, Joyce, aged 54, Elaine, aged 56, Anne, aged 50, and Mark, aged 43.

She passed away 12 years ago shortly before her golden wedding anniversary.

Finally, readers have helped identify the woman pictured far right as Annie Brown, who lived in Radcliffe all her life.

Formerly Annie Smith, she married John Brown and the couple spent their entire married life living in Allen Street.

Together they had two daughters, Marjorie Sharrock who has now died, and Rita Wilson.

Annie died in 1999 aged 87, and her husband John died 18 months later. They are both buried together in Radcliffe Cemetery.

They are survived by eight great-grandchildren.

Ms Lambert said: "The photo of the textiles mill has been used in our 2018 calendar with permission from Ken Howarth.

"Of course we would really love to find out from anyone who can identify the remaining three ladies and one gentleman."

The calendar, featuring 12 photos of Radcliffe from bygone days, is available from Radcliffe Library for £5.99.

Anyone with information about the photograph, or hoping to join the Society should email radcliffeheritagesociety@outlook.com.

The Society's next meeting will be on Thursday, February 1, from 5.30pm at Radcliffe Library.