A LOSTOCK Hall woman whose first job was at Preston's Gold Thread Works, says she had no idea the embroiderers she helped were producing top secret badges.

Vera Taylor (nee Eccles) of Glendale Crescent, Avenham, started work in the Avenham factory in 1945 when she was just 14 years old.

Vera, 72, used to thread the needles for the group of women in an annexe at the site who were enlisted to embroider badges for British spies going to Germany.

But, after reading an article in last week's Citizen, she was dumbfounded to discover her job was part of a top secret mission carried out at the factory on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Vera, who has just celebrated her golden wedding anniversary to husband John, said: "I was amazed. There were a few women who were very good at embroidery and they were situated in a small annexe at the end of the factory.

"It was my job to make sure they had everything they needed. I would thread the needles and run errands to the foundry to collect parcels of gold and the bobbins.

"Whenever they came into the factory everyone would put their heads down and get on with their work.

"I knew that we were making cap badges and things for the boys, but I had no idea that we were part of the war effort."

One of the embroiderers, Ivy, befriended Vera and asked her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding.

"We still keep in touch," said Vera.

"It was from her that I picked up so many skills. I began making tapestries and embroidering."

Vera left her job at the factory after five years to take up a new post at BAE Systems where she worked until retiring.

But she says she will never forget her golden days at the Gold Thread Works and has colourful pieces of needlework all over her home.