MAKING the headlines in the winter of 1960/61 were daily reports of a flu epidemic which was sweeping across East Lancashire.

On this day The Telegraph told how a large firm was covering its factories with an anti-flu spray, to help protect its workers, as a second wave of flu hit the area.

Operation Spray went in to action over the weekend, at the Barnoldswick factories operated by Rolls Royce, as well as those in the west Riding.

The sprayer - a piece of agricultural equipment from the works - was filled with a flu-fighting fluid.

Before leaving work on Friday, workers were told to make sure that cups and other utensils were washed out and stored away.

It was estimated that between 300 and 400 operatives were absent with flu from the Wellhouse, Bankfield and Ghyll Brow factories.

Across the area bus crews were among the worst hit groups - the situation was described as ‘pretty grim’ in Accrington and in Rawtenstall, inspectors were helping out because of a shortage of crews.

In Blackburn, about 100 of the corporation’s 900-strong outdoor workforce were off ill, while in Burnley, 2,000 cases of flu had been reported the previous week, with 400 sickness certificates being presented a day.

Our front page picture today, showed 11-month-old Hugh Haynes, of Rowan Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, who was taking part in Accrington St James Sunday School baby show.

Our Telegraph photographer got a shot of the toddler, sat in a shopping bag chomping on a snack before facing the judging panel.

We also told of two girl swimmers, Sandra Barton of Darwen and Susan Brown of Blackburn, making a splash while appearing for the Northern Counties in a competition the Midlands, in front of the television cameras.

Fourteen-year-old Sandra romped home in the 100 yards free style, in a time of 61 seconds, while Susan, who won in the 200 yards free style, was also anchor in the free style squadron race.