IN the summer of 1979 Lea and Perrins, manufacturer of the world famous Worcestershire Sauce, had the first strike in its 155-year history.

The total workforce of 180 walked out over a parity pay dispute and here are some outside the factory in Midland Road.

The timing could have been better chosen, because the district secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union was away on his holidays.

Eventually a resolution was worked out and within three months the company was actually advertising for more staff, although not on the sauce side.

"It's our fruit juice products which are going wild," said a director, as Lea and Perrins introduced a double day shift on the juice line.