"I didn't hear about the Association until I retired" said William Southworth

William Southworth, 64, didn't hear about the BAE Employee Association until after he had retired.

He said he heard about the well-kept secret when a former colleague mentioned an event they were attending.

He said: "When I first joined BAE I thought I'd joined everything.I didn't hear about the BAE Employee Association until after I'd left."

William spent 18 years working at Strand Road in the Mad House hand routing aircraft details before leaving in 2010.

William, from Fulwood, said he enjoyed the Christmas Party last week.

He said: "It brings people together. It's nice to see all the old faces."

If you are a current or former employee and would like to become a member, email employee.association@baesystems.com