Controversy took a back seat and for those who took the opportunity to tour the works, the company's commitment to green issues was plain to see. It was the Ribble Valley's Mayor, Coun. John Hill, who expressed thanks on behalf of visitors, mentioning the "clean air" encountered throughout.

The company, the area's major employer, produces 900,000 tons of cement a year and the Skye Crossing, Dee Estuary Bridge in Flintshire, Edinburgh Quay project and second Severn crossing are some of the massive projects to use its product.

Don't miss Thursday's Clitheroe Advertiser & Times to find out who will be blowing up Castle Cement's 361ft. chimney stack later this year!

Almost 2,000 people toured the site over the weekend and heard the stories of its employees, including Otto Volkmer, who came to Britain as a prisoner of war in the 1940s and stayed on. He came to the cement work in 1954 and becameworks manager in 1980.

Today's general manager Gary Young is another Castle-bred success and retired quarry manager Keith Hall recalled how he took a temporary job in the quarry and retired 32 years later.

Youngsters manned a display showing the company-sponsored festival of cricket, rally cross driver Simon Horton and Clitheroe FC.

Mr Young expressed his thanks to all the invited guests and visitors over the weekend. He made particular mention of the company's staff who gave up their time to ensure the open days were successful as well as others involved in the three days.