This is arguably one of the more remarkable aerial photographs which we have in our archive.

The fact is was taken in 1941 may give you a clue to what makes it so unusual.

For this was a German reconnaissance photograph taken on July 7 showing the Royal Ordnance Factory.

The German Luftwaffe was clearly identifying possible targets for future bombing raids and given the key role ROF played in manufacturing fuses for munitions you can understand why it would be firmly on the radar.

It's not easy to see familiar landmarks as you suspect the German pilot was flying slightly higher than his modern counter[parts have done when more recent aerial photos of the area have been taken.

But it remains a unique photo taken at a time when East Lancashire was at war.