HUSBAND and wife Herbert and Irene Bowker celebrated their silver jubilee in a mill.

This photo, taken on May 29, 1978, shows the couple completing 25 years together at the County Brook Mill Co Ltd, of Foulridge.

And the firm presented the couple, who lived in Wellington Street, Barnoldswick, with commemorative gold watches.

There was also a party held at the Cross Keys Hotel, Barnoldswick, the day after in which more than 50 colleagues were expected to attend.

Mr Bowker, 59, an automatic loom overlooker, began work with the firm as a weaver in 1947. He was laid off for 10 months in 1952 during a slump in the industry, but restarted in Easter 1953.

Mrs Bowker, 58, started working for the firm in July the same year as a weaver, and seven years prior had qualified to teach weaving.

"We have both enjoyed working here. It is a good firm," said Mrs Bowker.

The couple have a married son, David, and daughter Joyce, and Mr Bowker was recently awarded a special certificate for 50 years' service with the Barnoldswick and Earby Brass Bands.

He was also a member of Earby Band Club, the Rolls-Royce Club at Barnoldswick and Barnoldswick Cricket Club. The couple were enthusiastic caravanners.