WHEN David Grayson started work at Ryedale Laundry in Kirkbymoorside back in 1950 the total wage bill for all 30 members of staff was £70 a week.

For the next 58 years, the young clerk worked his way up the company ladder, eventually coming to own it with business partner, Gordon Hildreth, in the 1970s.

Now his long involvement with the firm has drawn to a close after retiring earlier this year – but this doesn’t stop the pensioner from making the occasional visit to the factory to offer advice and fix the odd machine.

Speaking last week, the 78-year-old said: “I should have packed up years ago but I kept saying ‘just another five years and I will retire’. It’s hard to believe I have been here for so long.

‘‘I came to work at the factory when I left the Royal Air Force and back then times were hard.

‘‘I often wish I had the chance to go to university but this business has been an important part of the town for many years and provided employment for generations.

“We have loyal members of staff, some of whom have been working here for many years.”

According to local records, Ryedale Laundry was established in 1900 by three ladies from Ness “to provide employment for women in the local area”.

To this day, the firm has 30 members of staff on the payroll and many of its early customers are still on the books.

Local businessman Frank Moss bought the business during the First World War, eventually retiring in 1977 when David took over the reigns.

New owner of Yorkshire Laundry Services Chris Atkinson, who lives in Appleton-le-Street, near Malton, said: “It’s wonderful it have David’s help because with nearly 60 years’ of experience there’s nothing he doesn’t know.

“Even though he’s officially retired he still comes back to fix machines and the day after he sold the business he was back at work. It’s in his blood.”