STAFF at the Skipton branch of Althams Travel joined in the firm's 150th anniversary with a seaside picnic.

It was 150 years ago on July 23, 1874, that company founder, Burnley-based tea importer and exporter, Abraham Altham, took a coach load of people on a day trip from Burnley to Blackpool as a thank-you for their business and friendship.

In celebration of the anniversary, the independent travel agent, which has 33 branches in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, recreated the event and once again took 50 clients from across its branches on a free trip to Blackpool, including afternoon tea in Blackpool Tower, followed by ballroom dancing.

Individual branches also marked the occasion including at Skipton where clients were treated to a seaside picnic.

Althams Travel Managing Director Sandra McAlister said: “We have a full year of celebrations planned in 2024 to remember and celebrate such a special birthday but we really could not miss the opportunity to thank our founder Abraham Altham who, 150 years ago on the 23rd of July, hosted the first ever ‘Althams Tour’ from Burnley to Blackpool. I feel sure that he would be immensely proud at the legacy he left behind as we now own and operate 33 branches across Lancashire, Yorkshire and Humberside”.