Apprentices at the Morris Motors’ car factory at Cowley, Oxford, knew how to enjoy themselves.

They were photographed in happy mood during their annual dinner in the staff canteen, just after the end of the Second World War.

The meal appears to be over, but the numerous beer bottles on the tables are evidence that all had had a good time.

The picture comes from one of the apprentices who was there, Frank Grant, of Burford Road, Witney.

After leaving Temple Cowley School, he joined the factory as a craft trainee in 1942, when most normal vehicle production was suspended and workers at the factory were instead engaged in munitions work for the war effort.

After the war was over, he started an apprenticeship in fitting and tuning.

In 1946-7, he was named apprentice of the year, and still has the oak plaque to prove it.

Mr Grant tells me: “I am very proud of that.”

And so he should be – as the picture shows, there were dozens of apprentices competing for the top prize.

After two years in the service and repair department, he left Morris Motors to join Smith’s Industries, in Witney, where he worked for 21 years.

Former Morris Motors’ apprentices are hoping to organise a reunion.

If anyone is interested in attending such an event, then Ernie Wright on 01235 521734 would like to hear from you.

Does anyone recognise any of the apprentices in the picture above?

Write and let us know.