A pensioner who drove a crane during the Second World War has taken the chance to see how things have changed in the industry.

Sixty-seven years ago Ellen Burnside was just 20 when she was conscripted to help out with the war effort.

She was sent to the Employment Office believing she was going to learn to drive trains, but she and best friend had misheard their orders and it was actually cranes they were going to operate.

Mrs Burnside, 87, has been shown around the development that will replace St Edburg’s House, Bicester, where she lives.

She was also given the chance to operate a modern crane.

Recalling her conscription, she said: “We looked at each other in total shock and disbelief. I had suffered from vertigo in the past and was terrified.”

The pair were told to report the next day to William Beardmore & Co’s Steel Factory and Ship Yard, a gun-making plant at Parkhead, in Glasgow.

She said: "We were shown around the site and, without any safety harness, were sent up approximately 30 steps to the cabins of our cranes.

“There was no health and safety equipment during my time, no hard hats or safety boots, no high visibility jackets or protective glasses and gloves, only a pair of blue cotton dungarees."

“I was frozen with fear in the cabin of this iron monster, I couldn’t look down. I heard a voice shouting at me to read the machine’s instructions in front of me.

“Working conditions were hazardous to say the least.”

After a weeks’ training she was set to work lifting heavy guns around the site.

But back in the present day she did not have to climb dozens of steps. Instead she operated the crane with her feet firmly placed on the floor, using a remote control.

Mrs Burnside said: “I gently raised and lowered the arm and felt very lucky and privileged that I was to be trusted with such a powerful piece of machinery.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone at St Edburg’s house, and especially Leadbitter Construction, for allowing me to relive some wonderful memories – what an experience.”

The new development, called Langford View, is a 60-bedroom care home being built by The Orders of St John Care Trust in Coach House Mews, Langford Village. There will also be 20 apartments at the site for supported living.

Residents from St Edburg’s House, in Old Place Yard, are due to move to the new building in spring next year.