A FAMILY-RUN agricultural contracting business has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

When William Marley set up W. Marley Agricultural Contracts in the 1970s he had just one JCB digger to his name.

Four decades later, the company, based in North Bitchburn, near Crook, County Durham, has a large fleet of vehicles, including wagons, tractors, tankers, trailers and dumpers, as well as an extensive range of agricultural equipment for people to hire.

It also employs more than 40 people, including Mr Marley’s son Andrew and brother, Stuart. Over the years, the type of services it offers has expanded, with the company now offering landscaping, fencing, site clearance, waste management alongside its agricultural work.

Past projects range from road construction, to large scale open cast mine reinstating, to helping prepare the site for Kynren, an open air attraction Bishop Auckland.

The team celebrated its 40th anniversary last month by staging a party at its headquarters, Constantine Farm.

Stuart Marley said it had been a fantastic night for the team, adding: The industry has changed a great deal, especially over the last 20 years. We have had to change and adapt and respond to demand. We are very proud to still be here and celebrating this milestone anniversary.”