THE sights and sounds of one of Banbury's oldest factories will be bought to life at a historical talk at the town's museum.

Shortly before the Sapa Alcan aluminium factory was closed in 2008, local photographer Rosy Burke paid a visit and took photos and video of staff at work.

From walking around the site and speaking to workers, she created a photographic record of the factory that she will display at Banbury Museum on Saturday.

It will offer history enthusiasts and the local community a rare chance to see the images and video footage on screen and to discover an often forgotten part of the town's heritage.

Ms Burke, from Chacombe, said: "So much of Banbury's history took place in and around this factory. So many people and their grannies worked there.

"As the daughter of a metallurgist I am fascinated by the metal processes.

"This was such a privilege to be able to witness one of Banbury's most historic and dangerous industries and to record it for posterity before its sad closure."

The pictures, said to be never before seen in Banbury's town centre, show 62 members of staff, as well as the fires and furnaces.

Photographs also bring to life the pouring of the liquid aluminium, the extrusions and the factory's transport team.

The 53-acre Southam Road works were demolished seven years ago, except three buildings listed by English Heritage.

Banbury Civic Society pressed the charity to list as much as the former site as possible, but were told many of the buildings were not of adequate interest.

The parts of the site given grade II listed status included the art deco office building, gate posts and memorial garden.

Tickets can be purchased online at banburymuseum.org or in the museum shop.

Did you work at the factory? If so, call the newsroom on 01865 425433 or email kieran.davey@oxfordmail.co.uk