LONG before the days of budget airlines and when owning a car was something most people only dreamed of, Moor Lane Bus Station was a very special place to the people of Bolton.

For it was from here that families would depart for their week away (fortnight if you were lucky), travelling by bus or coach to locations Blackpool, Fleetwood or even the South Coast.

The main picture has a special significance as it was taken in 1947 and was probably the first opportunities many families had for a holiday following the end of the Second World War two years previously.

Then there are two photographs from more recent times: the ladies of the Holt family returning from holiday in Blackpool and a typically busy scene from 1977 as folk swarmed around waiting for their coaches.

Braving the rain were Carol Kershaw and Angela Holden waiting at Moor Lane bus station to go on holiday in June 1968.

Brollies were also needed two years later but the family group ready to head off on holiday were still all smiles in spite of the rain.

We also have a picture of more holidaymakers getting ready to depart. Sadly the picture is undated by judging by their clothing it is probably from the late 1950s or early 1960s.