LONG-SERVING staff for train operator Arriva North East have been praised for their commitment.

Drivers, fitters, administrative personnel, controllers, inspectors and supervisors were congratulated for their service - totalling 885 years - at a ceremony at Kirklevington Hall, near Yarm, Stockton.

Employees from depots in Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Loftus, Durham, Peterlee and Bishop Auckland were presented with certificates and gifts.

Managing director Steve Noble said: "We have so many dedicated and committed employees that it is a great pleasure to be able to mark their long service with an event of this kind.

"Every single one of the 33 employees being recognised has achieved at least 25 years' service - and eight have over 35 years.

"This event is designed to recognise and celebrate our employees' achievements and to thank them."

The staff honoured were:

Bishop Auckland - Keith Walker, traffic officer, 35 years; Tony Hutchison, Roy Pope, Keith Thompson, Dennis Varley and Keith Wright, all drivers with 25 years.

Darlington - Kevin Poskett, assistant district manager, 25 years; Brian Hutchison, inspector, 35 years.

Durham - Cyril Wilson, driver, 35 years; Anthony Mulligan, driver, 25 years.

Loftus, east Cleveland - Colin Greensmith, driver, 25 years; David Millet, driver, 35 years; Irene Richardson, clerk, 35 years.

Middlesbrough - Theresa Bailey, travel office clerk, 25 years.

Peterlee, County Durham - Thomas Pickard, fitter, 25 years; Andrew Donaldson, driver, 35 years.

Redcar, east Cleveland - Dereck Burke, fueller and cleaner; John Dransfield, driver, and Mary McNeil, driver, all 25 years; Keith Stephenson, district manager, 35 years.

Richmond, North Yorkshire - Mel Martin, depot controller, 35 years.

Stockton - Nazir Ahmed, Mohammed Ashraf, Ray Galloway, Manzoor Hussain and Matloob Hussain, all drivers; Peter Lawrence, driving instructor; Tony Mole, inspector, and Anthony Roccietti, shuttle driver, all 25 years.