JUST 22 staff at Thornaby’s Asda store have clocked up 630 years of combined service between them.

The store at Allensway has one of the largest numbers of long-serving staff in the country, with the 22 staff members celebrating more than 25 years of service.

Among the long serving colleagues is Jacqueline Cuthbert, who celebrates her 50th birthday next month, meaning she will have worked for Asda for over half of her life.

Debra Bayliss, e-commerce trading manager at Asda Thornaby, who has worked there for 25 years, said: “I’ve had so many fantastic memories since I first joined Asda in 1991 and I wouldn’t change those memories for the world.

“I love seeing the same faces week in week out – everyone is so friendly and never fail to make me smile.

“I can’t believe how quickly the last 25 years have flown by and it’s really nice to see that we’re such a big part of the local community.”

Maurice Goldsbrough, general store manager at Asda Thornaby said: “We are especially proud of our dedicated group of 22 for all their hard work over the years.” Staff celebrated with a party.