A RYEDALE company has celebrated 26 of its longest-serving staff members, who between them have spent nearly 1,000 years at the business.

Bright Steels Ltd, a manufacturer of steel bars based in Norton, held a presentation to honour those staff members who have been at the company for either 25 years or 40 years, as well as achievement awards for its apprentice electrician and engineer.

Philip Jackson, managing director, said that of the company’s 77 full-time employees, 10 have achieved a minimum of 40 years of service and a further 16 have achieved a minimum of 25 years of service.

“In total these 26 staff have 968 years of continuous service with Bright Steels Limited,” he said.

Bright Steels Ltd was founded by Cris Chouler in 1919 so it is entering its centenary year.

It employs tradesman, engineers, electricians, joiners and more.

In the 100 years since it was founded, the family business has expanded to become the largest producer of bright drawn steel flat and square bars in England and among the largest in Europe.