EMPLOYEES of Merrall and Son Ltd, Worth Valley worsted manufacturers, pose at Southport in the 1920s aboard one of the firm's own vehicles.

A Southport photographer called Rigby specialised in such visiting groups, which provided a market for the sale of copies.

Southport was a popular destination for local charabanc outings. Weaving overlookers from Hattersley and Sons' Springhead Mills went there in 1925, and Haworth Parish Church choir, bellringers and sidesmen the following year.

Works day trips were very much in vogue at that time, sometimes on a spectacular scale.

When J Haggas and Co of Ingrow treated 450 employees to a day at Blackpool in 1919, they needed a convoy of 16 charabancs.

Obviously the railway was more appropriate for larger numbers.

Robert Clough's took 1,400 to Blackpool in 1923, fitting everybody into two special trains.

On that occasion every employee was given a substantial breakfast and 3s 6d spending money!