Former workers at Wolverhampton’s famous Thompson Industries came together to celebrate their happy memories from their working lives.

The Ettingshall company started in 1834, making iron narrow boats and later boilers and nuclear reactors.

It was taken over in the early 1970s and was gradually wound down. But former staff gathered at St Leonard’s Church in Bilston last night to share stories and keep their memories alive.

More than 100 people, including former company chairman Christopher Thompson, filled St Leonard’s for a special service.

Mr Thompson, 80, of Bridgnorth, whose family founded the company 170 years ago, said it was “amazing” to see so many former colleagues gathered.

Nigel Wooddisse, aged 71, was living in Wightwick when he joined Thompson’s in the 1950s.

Mr Wooddisse, who now lives in Seisdon, said: “Some of the skills you saw then and the things they did then can’t be done today. You just haven’t got the people to do it.”

John Groucutt, aged 65, from Coseley, joined as a mate in 1957 and spent five years with the company. John said: “They’re good memories. If you stepped out of line, you learned the hard way.”

Thelma Beardmore, aged 81, from Sedgley, who joined in 1949, and stayed until retiring on her 60th birthday in 1986, said: “I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a lovely, family company.”

Howard Briscoe, from Penn, joined in 1935 as a metallurgical apprentice. The 86-year-old said: “My health is not very good but I was determined to come and meet old colleagues.”