A DAY at the races, a trip to the seaside, a darts away-day and a night on the town ­— for many hardworking patrons and landlords their local pub’s annual outing was always one of the highlights of the year.

Providing a well earned break from working life, time to catch up with friends over a pint and a flutter, and a chance to leave their home towns, these trips were the closest many came to a holiday and were fondly remembered.

Here we take a look back at some of those memorable excursions from Bury pubs which are sadly no more.

Patrons at The Thrush Hotel in Thrush Drive as they prepare to head out for a day at the races in the early 1970s (above).

The Thrush Hotel was closed and later demolished in 2014 following a fire.

This photo was sent into the Bury Times by Lorraine Hunt, of Chaffinch Drive, after it was rediscovered by her family following the recent loss of her father, Eddie Hunt, aged 80.

Mr Hunt can been seen third from the right on the top row of the photo, holding a newspaper aloft.

Lorraine said: "The Thrush Hotel used to do the races trip every year. It was definitely a big thing for them.

"My dad always enjoyed them and looked back on them fondly.

"It was a community thing. The pub was such a big part of everything on the estate. But people used to come from all over to go there.

"It was the hub of the community and it had the best football, darts and pool teams around; and hosted weddings and wakes."

Bury Times: Regulars from the Stanley Arms pub before their outing to MorecambeRegulars from the Stanley Arms pub before their outing to Morecambe

Regulars at the Stanley Arms pub on The Rock, had enjoy an early morning ‘one for the road’ pint before setting off on their day trip to Morecambe in 1973.

Bury Times: Men from the Woolpack Hotel ahead of trip to Thirsk RacesMen from the Woolpack Hotel ahead of trip to Thirsk Races

Punters from The Woolpack in Wood Street, Elton, wait for the coach ahead of their day out to Thirsk Races in 1973.

Around 20 regulars enjoyed the outing, the afternoon’s sport and tea on the way home.

The former site of The Woolpack pub is now home to The Ruposhi Indian restaurant.

Bury Times: Bury pub landlords ahead of their annual Licensed Retailers' Association outing to the Dog Inn, Longridge, and a night out in Blackpool in 1973 Bury pub landlords ahead of their annual Licensed Retailers' Association outing to the Dog Inn, Longridge, and a night out in Blackpool in 1973

Bury landlords called time at the bar to take the day off for their annual outing in 1973.

More than 20 members of the Licensed Retailers’ Association, including chairman Mr D Dagnall, are here pictured before leaving for the Dog Inn, Longridge.

After playing bowls and darts the party rounded off their trip with a night in Blackpool.

If you have any photos from past pub outings we would love to share them. Please contact brad.marshall@nqnw.co.uk