A NORTH Yorkshire animal feeds company has commemorated its centenary with a specially commissioned book.

Against the Grain traces the story of I'Anson Bros, which started in a corner shop in Masham and grew into an organisation employing 60 people with an annual turnover of more than £20m.

The company is still based in the town but today serves farmers throughout Yorkshire and the North of England, producing high quality pelleted and blended feeds.

It also pioneered the micronization method of production, to become the largest manufacturer of micronized feeds in Europe, and has branched out further with its subsidiary, Dale Country Foods, supplying the brewery industry and chilled foods sector.

The company has held several events during its centenary year and commissioned local author Nigel Watson, from Leyburn, to write the book. He was able to draw on detailed records and archive photographs to chart the growth and development of the business.

The book also reflects the enormous changes in technology and in the lives of those who live and work in the Dales.

The company was founded by Mr Christopher I'Anson, great-grandfather of the members of the family who run the firm today.

He began trading in a small shop in Masham market place on July 16, 1900. On the same day, he also became the first manager of York City and County Bank in the town, making himself his own bank manager!

Today the company is headed by Mr Chris I'Anson as managing director, and his brother William and sister Sarah, who are both directors. Their father, Derek, is chairman.

In July the company invited several hundred customers to a day at Ripon races, sponsoring the main race in the programme. In September staff and partners held a medieval banquet at Bolton Castle.

Mr Chris I'Anson said the year had been very important for the firm and the family. "As the centenary of the business happened to coincide with the start of a new millennium, we decided it was an appropriate time to commission a history of the company," he said.

"Since our great-grandfather started the business, there have been changes and developments to the way that we all live and work which he could not have imagined.

"It has been fascinating for us to read the story unearthed by Nigel Watson's diligent research.