IT was a company which had an international reputation and had helped put Blackburn on the map.

Originally Scapa Dryers, the firm based in Witton in its heyday employed hundreds and everything it did seemed to be on a grand scale.

The company - which later became Scapa Porritt - manufactured specialist fabrics, including press felts used on paper making machines around the world.

This was production on a giant scale as these photographs we have unearthed show. Fabric was produced on 55-foot wide looms and the equipment took up a massive amount of space.

You can still see how big an operation it was if you look at the factory building across the road from Witton Park which has now been divided up into various units.

Several generations worked at Scapa and it also played a key role in the community, even boasting its own social club in nearby Cherry Tree.

If you worked there and have memories or photos you’d like to share, email bygones@nqnw.co.uk