FOR reader Mrs Christine Benn, of Guide, who lends the picture to Looking Back, this 1954 children's outing from Blackburn was something of a mystery trip.

For though she was one who enjoyed it -- and is pictured crouched down on the front row -- she could no longer recall where its destination was.

But, as is disclosed by the poster on the Ribble Motors' Leyland Royal Tiger bus, the occasion was the children's party put on that year by the famous old Blackburn foundry, Foster, Yates and Thom Ltd., for the sons and daughters of their employees.

More, however, is revealed in the archives of the old Northern Daily Telegraph, which took the picture and sold a copy to Mrs Benn's father, Ken Gregory, who worked in the giant firm's tool room.

For the NDT's files show that on January 9, 1954, the company not only laid on a party for 105 workers' children, but also invited another 40 from Blackburn Children's Homes.

Their treat was a trip to Blackpool and a visit to a pantomime.

And, as the picture shows, as well as being dressed in their best clothes, some of the youngsters also wore labels -- to ensure that they did not get lost along the way.

Founded in 1824, Foster, Yates and Thom, famous for making giant boilers and huge industrial machines, employed 1,500 men at its peak, but closed in 1973.