MILL workers toasted a very special anniversary with a glass of sparkling wine and a slice of cake.

The lunch was part of Golden Jubilee celebrations at Herbert Parkinson in Darwen, which is a branch of the John Lewis Partnership.

Every member of staff received a commemorative mug.

The themed, three-tier cake was baked by branch cook supervisor Vivienne Watson and designed by Julie Dawson, who works in the making-up department.

Julie's creation has been put forward for a national competition.

Herbert Parkinson's general manager John Blackall cut the cake into 300 pieces, with the help of the mill's oldest and youngest partners, 64-year-old Brian Smalley and Grant Bury, 20.

The founder of the John Lewis Partnership, John Spedan Lewis, 50 years ago handed the control and profits of his business to a trust for the benefit of permanent employees.

Picture: Here's one very large toast to the Golden Jubilee of the signing of the second trust settlement from Herbert Parkinson general manager John Blackall (front right) with electrical engineer Ian Rawlings and an appreciative staff at the Darwen mill.