DEPARTMENT store Debenhams is to honour a loyal employee who clocked up nearly 48 years service at the same store.

The firm plans to name part of its Scarborough store, in North Yorkshire, after Stanley Burton, who was one of the company's longest serving employees.

Mr Burton, 63, joined the firm straight from school and worked there until he died of leukaemia last month.

He started as a trainee electrician at a time when the store was owned by the Rowntree family of York. During his long career, he held several titles, including house manager, technical services manager and technical services advisor.

In fact, working at Debenhams became something of a family affair. Mr Burton met his late wife, Freda, at the store and both his sons - Nigel and Nick - had jobs there.

As a mark of respect, the company plans to put up a plaque in the store and rename his old office the Stan Burton room.

Dean Stratton, human resources manager, said: "Debenhams will probably never see his like again because staff tend to move around between stores today.

"He will be sorely missed and we felt his passing should be remembered in some way."

Mr Burton's son Nigel, a journalist on The Northern Echo, said: "The whole family has been touched by this kind act."