CLOGS were an essential item of apparel in the mills of East Lancashire.

Though poor folk had been wearing wooden shoes for many centuries, the footwear became popular during the Industrial Revolution when workers needed strong, cheap footwear.

The heyday of the clog was between 1840 and 1920 and clog irons, or caulkers were nailed under the sole at the toe and heel to prevent wear and tear and these would spark on the stone flagstones of the mills.

This wasn't a good idea when the sparks could cause a fire, so workers in chemical works or ammunition factories during the First World War, would tie material round the irons to prevent any danger.

The story goes that clog dancing grew up in the northern textile mills, as weavers tapped their feet to the rhythm of the looms.

It's a tradition that has continued with the Ossie Cloggers one particular popular dancing group.

In this image from 1992, six young dancers should off their cups and medals in their traditional mob caps , white aprons and, of course, laced caps with tin toe caps.

At the front centre is Caroline Riley and behind, from the left, Louise Nutter, Anna Barker, Alison Hargreaves, Carolann Haworth and Wendy Heyes.