THESE photographs record a major change to the way motorists would go about their business.

In April, 1967, the Apex Garage in Darwen became one of the first petrol stations in East Lancashire to allow drivers to fill up their own cars.

The idea of self-service was a relatively new concept - previously the petrol pump attendant would be on hand to ‘fill her up’ while you would go into the shop to pay.

But new technology meant that motorists could do it themselves.

Apex had invested in new pumps and a special control panel which allowed staff to authorise self service and to show them how much petrol a motorist had put it. It’s something we all take for granted these day - we’re even quite used to paying at the pump these days.

But back in 1967 this was a major change and drivers had to be given instructions in how to use the new pumps.

The second picture we have shows the smart new uniforms the staff at Apex Garage were given - they even had little hats with the Apex logo on, making them look more like flight attendants than petrol pump attendants!

Look at the pumps themselves - as a motorist you had the choice between regular and the more expensive super. There was no such thing as unleaded and diesel (or derv as it was known) was mainly reserved for trucks and buses.

Sadly we can’t see any petrol prices as the new system came in but at this time a gallon of petrol - there was no messing around with litres - would cost you around five shillings and six pence (27.5p). The annual road fund licence would cost you 19 pounds and five shillings.

Many motorists were wary of self-service but I think we’ve got used to it!