AS youngsters John Rawcliffe and Ada Savage watched Stanhill Ring Mill, grow brick by brick.

Both started work there when building was completed and back in 1957, were presented with gifts for their long l service.

John, 63, of Rhoden Road, Oswaldtwistle, received two fireside chairs, for half a century of service, while Ada, who lived in Blackburn Road, received a gold watch for her 45 years' hard work.

The presentations were made by Mr C Harrison, vice chairman and managing director of the English Sewing Cotton Company, which ran the mill.

John had started at the ring mill as a boy, becoming a doffer, then spinning room foreman, but said: "I started in the bad old days when we had to work long hours for five bob a week."

Ada had become a part timer at the age of 12, and was then a high speed warper, admitting: "It's a wonderful firm to work for, neither of us would mind starting all over again."

Mr Harrison, who had made 160 such long service presentations, said: "The people who have stayed with us for so long, hand down to the younger people something of a tradition which, although it does not show on the balance sheet, is just as valuable as machinery."

This image of the Ring Mill in West End, Oswaldtwistle, was taken in the 1930s.