DEREK and Linda Monaghan took over as proprietors of the Royal Oak, Great Ayton, 26 years ago, and over the years it has become a popular village social centre.

They have had tremendous help from their staff, five of whom have served at the Oak for 25 years or more.

To mark this, the Monaghans held a private dinner party and presentations for the five - Jean Robinson, Maureen Sanders, Sylvia Tanfield, Doreen Milburn and Hilary Rowland - and their guests.

In addition to the bouquets with which they were presented, they were given gift vouchers for Swan's jewellers for them to select jewellery of their choice.