A FORMER mill worker played a key role in the creation of a motor museum which holds a 'special place' in his heart.

When Ron Mein walks into the famous Lakeland Motor Museum in Cumbria he’s transported back in time - and not just by the huge collection of historic vehicles on display.

Each step takes him closer to his past life there as a mill worker. That’s because the museum’s main showroom is built around a much older building - once part of Backbarrow’s famous 'Dolly Blue' mill complex.

“It is where I worked for fifteen years as a young man and it’s also where I met my wife.” said Mr Mein.

"Having the museum built around the place, preserving it, was a dream come true.”

The stone heart of the Lakeland Motor Museum was once the carton filling and wrapping department of Reckitt and Colman’s ultramarine production facility.

Ultramarine was a pigment used in making 'Dolly Blue' – a household wash-day item used in almost every home.

Mr Mein started working at the mill in 1955 when he was 15 years old.

He said: “It was a dirty place to work. You were covered in dust all the time.

“But I have fond memories. There was great camaraderie. We were all in the same boat, working in a filthy environment, covered in blue dust with no masks or goggles or gloves.”

“Every time I come to the museum, I can remember exactly how it looked and I can remember the smells. We were always laughing, joking and there was a bit of bickering too!”

One particular spot in the museum still holds a special place in his heart.

Standing by a blue pillar in one of the museum’s showrooms, Mr Mein said: “This is where I was standing when I first saw the young woman who would become my wife.

“It was in 1956. I saw Dot putting packets into boxes ready for them to be dispatched around the world. We started courting and were eventually married on my 21st birthday. We’ve now been married for 62 years.”

Mr Mein worked at the factory for 15 years before moving on in 1970 - but his link to the place has never ended.

The works closed down in 1982, but Ron’s knowledge was put to good use when it was earmarked as the new site for the Lakeland Motor Museum.

“It was such a privilege to be asked to get involved,” said Mr Mein who designed the many industrial history displays now in the museum.

And one of his proudest achievements was creating the Museum’s World War One commemorative display which every year raises funds for the Royal British Legion. Since it was set up in 2014 its now raised a total of over £12,000.

Mr Mein said: "At this time of year, with Remembrance Sunday approaching, you remember how the world wars affected the whole country, including rural areas like ours. I’m delighted the work we have done at the museum has raised so much money for a vital charity. We are all very grateful to all of those who have donated money.”

Mr Mein's work over the years has ensured that a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum is not just about classic cars. He created the Museum’s scenes from working life at the former carton filling and dispatch department. He also made the many mannequins that bring life to the displays.

“I never thought I’d get the opportunity to record the history of this valley and help in some way to preserve it. It remains a very special place to me.”

The attraction, at Backbarrow, has over 30,000 exhibits including over 150 classic cars and motorbikes. It also has an extensive Campbell Bluebird Exhibition, housed in its own building, paying tribute to the high-speed careers of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.