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John Laing workers' summer holiday photos added to archive

Historic England/John Laing Collection Couple in a pedaloHistoric England/John Laing Collection
Felixstowe was one of the seaside resorts construction firm John Laing arranged trips to for its workers and their families

Pictures of post-war workers heading off on their summer holidays have been added to an online archive.

Historic England has spent almost two years digitising 10,000 pictures from the John Laing Photographic Collection for public viewing online.

The latest and last to be added are 700 pictures taken by John Laing photographers for the construction firm's in-house newsletter Team Spirit.

They show workers enjoying company away days at the seaside.

Historic England/John Laing Collection A train engine with a Laing sign on the frontHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The construction firm liked to reward its workers with trips to the seaside

John Laing was founded in Carlisle in 1848 and became one of Britain's biggest construction firms, playing a key role in rebuilding the nation after World War Two.

It arranged company away days, events and trips to the seaside for the families of its workers with photographs taken to record the occasions for the company's newsletter, published from 1946 until 2001.

Historic England/John Laing Collection Children and adults crammed together in carriageHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The company away days, such as this one from London to Bournemouth in 1953, were popular with the whole family

The photo collection, which has more than 230,000 images, is held by Historic England.

A spokesman said John Laing's management had "enlightened attitudes" towards its staff with a "strong focus on family values".

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson added: "Covering everything from seaside adventures to company sports days, these fantastic photographs evoke the joy of holidays and colleagues coming together."

Historic England/John Laing Collection Two men and three women link arms on the beachHistoric England/John Laing Collection
Many of the firm's workers went on its away days to seaside resorts
Historic England/John Laing Collection Two adults and a child ride water boat rideHistoric England/John Laing Collection
Workers from South Yorkshire and the West Midlands were treated to a family trip to Skegness in 1954
Historic England/John Laing Collection Man and child on Ferris wheelHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The Skegness fair was popular with all ages of those who went on the company trips
Historic England/John Laing Collection Three men take part in a sack raceHistoric England/John Laing Collection
An annual employees' sports day was also held with the 1966 event taking place at Copthall Stadium in the London suburb of Hendon
Historic England/John Laing Collection Four girls prepare for egg and spoon raceHistoric England/John Laing Collection
Children were also encouraged to take part at the sports day
Historic England/John Laing Collection Director being dunked into pool in chairHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The company's directors also joined in the frivolities, although the fun was often at their own expense
Historic England/John Laing Collection man helps child build sandcastleHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The construction firm's workers were always keen to pass their skills to the next generation, as demonstrated by district manager GB Malcolm in Skegness in 1948
Historic England/John Laing Collection Large group having afternoon teaHistoric England/John Laing Collection
Some popped to the Spa cafe in Bridlington for refreshments
Historic England People queue at train stationHistoric England
The away days were popular, as shown by the queue waiting at Bournemouth station
Historic England/John Laing Collection man with two girls in horse-drawn carriageHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The workers and their families found plenty to do on trips to resorts such as Gorleston-on-Sea near Great Yarmouth
Historic England/John Laing Collection Workers outside a queue of busesHistoric England/John Laing Collection
The firm would move its workers and their families en masse, in this case to Whitley Bay
Historic England/John Laing Collection Large groups of people at tables in a hallHistoric England/John Laing Collection
While some families enjoyed a meal in Whitley Bay...
Historic England/John Laing Collection Child licks large stick of rockHistoric England/John Laing Collection
... others were happy with just a sweet treat in Minehead

All pictures are subject to copyright.