THE history of South Cumbria’s industry has been extensive and vast.

With men and women crafting, building, and producing items of every kind, the county’s economy has been supported by these people.

The Mail: CHECKS: The production line in 1968 at the John Blair underground factory in DaltonCHECKS: The production line in 1968 at the John Blair underground factory in Dalton

Barrow’s ships and submarines were among the biggest and most expensive but factories, workshops, and even the woodlands of Furness have seen the production of everything from stockings and shoes to brushes, bobbins, and broom handles.

The growth of industry in mid-Victorian Furness drew in workers from all over the British Isles to produce iron and steel and make everything from paper and leather to chemicals and electrical goods.

The Mail: GATHERING: Barrow workers by a new paper making machine at the Bowater-Scott Mill in 1969GATHERING: Barrow workers by a new paper making machine at the Bowater-Scott Mill in 1969

The industry and services provided by Cumbria have seen thousands of hours by thousands of workers provide the fuel for the industrial age which the county has benefited from throughout its history.

Millom saw a successful trade in Elbeo stockings during the 1970’s, with sales increasing every year and hundreds of jobs being filled by local workers.

The production line of the John Blair underground factory was the envy of the industry.

The Mail: WORK: Molten Iron in 1987 at the david Caird foundry at Hindpool, BarrowWORK: Molten Iron in 1987 at the david Caird foundry at Hindpool, Barrow

Based in Dalton, through the 1960’s the factory produced high quality items and employed hundreds of people.

The Vickers-Armstrong yard saw a success term in the 1950s.

Founded by Colin Pickthall, of Fountain Street, Ulverston, and features his grandfather Albert Bonser.

He was on Dalton Urban District Council and lived in Napier Street. Mr Bonser also worked on Barrow submarines for the First World War.The time periods effects can still be seen today as many Cumbrian families can trace their lineage back to the industrial side of the county.

The Mail: CLAP: Workers pictured in 1989, Barrow shipyard workers supporting apprentices in a VSEL road raceCLAP: Workers pictured in 1989, Barrow shipyard workers supporting apprentices in a VSEL road race

During the Second World War, a majority of the workers were drafted to do their national service and the local women took on the roles themselves from 1939 to 1945.

The motor car has also played a role in Cumbria's industry.

In 1996 Cumberland Motors gathered double-deckers from miles around for a special private charter from the Thorncliffe Road site to Forum 28.