THESE smart looking chaps in their best suits and overcoats pose for the camera for an occasion which will probably never be seen again.

For these employees of Belgrave Mills in Darwen were part of a group of 95 workers in the wallpaper industry who between them had clocked up an amazing 5,126 years service.

Every man on this picture had worked at Belgrave Mill for at least 50 years and one of them, Mr Nathaniel Jepson, who was over 90 at the time the picture was taken, had worked for the company for a staggering 68 years!

The picture has been sent in by Mr Michael Burns, of Almond Street in Darwen, whose grandfather is on the picture, having had 52 years service.

The photograph was taken in April 1931, when to commemorate their great achievements, all the employees involved were given the day off from work and taken to the Midland Hotel in Manchester. They were all presented with illuminated certificates and a gift of £10 -- a considerable sum over 70 years ago.

The event was organised by the Wall Paper Manufacturers Limited whose chairman, Mr Alan Sugden, made the long service presentations.

He is reported as saying that there must be very few industries with a record to equal that being celebrated.

He added that "the spirit of cameraderie between employers and employees, manifestly so happy, is worth something more than a passing notice." At the end of the presentation, afternoon tea was served and before breaking up the party all joined hands for a chorus of Auld Lang Syne.