A SUCCESSFUL construction company in the North-East has marked the loyalty of key members of staff .

Wharton Construction, based on Yarm Road Business Park, has several staff who have clocked up more than 25 years service and managing director Peter Wharton wanted to recognise their long service.

Those who were presented with long-service awards included joiner Kevin Dixon, who has been with the company for 30 years after joining straight from school.

Other members of staff recognised were Jeff Cutting (28 years), David Hammond (26 years), Paul Smith (26 years), Mick Jorimann (30 years), David Jackson (28 years) and Alan Bradley 25 years. Office manager Brenda Smith retired recently after also serving for 30 years.

Around 40 members of staff attended the celebration evening at the Mowden pub in Darlington and Mr Wharton said: "It's a testament to the ethos of the company that we have so many loyal members of staff. How many other businesses can say that?"

The awards come at a time when the company is enjoying success with a number of high profile projects, including the recently completed garden spa at Rockliffe Hall at Hurworth, and two schemes for the Butterwick Hospice.

A new music block was handed over to Yarm School in the summer and the company is completing a bespoke sixth form centre for Barnard Castle School, featuring a mezzanine floor study area designed as a shield. The interiors are being handed over this week.

Other key projects include a large extension to Barkers furniture store in Northallerton and creating a new base for Trade Hair Supplies at the Yarm Road Business Park.

"The company is doing well, with some interesting projects, and the economy appears to be in good shape," said Mr Wharton, whose son Mathew is now a company director, alongside Chris Lee and commercial director Jeff Cutting.