A LOCAL company has recognised an "elite" band of employees who have service of 25 years or more.

Ductwork manufacturers Senior Hargreaves held the annual meeting of its 25 Club at the New Pack Horse in Bolton.

There were 40 members present, including five new ones this year.

Current members, including those who have retired, have logged a total service of 2,066 years.

Managing director Brian Ward said the company had a proud past and a bright future.

He said few firms could claim business continuity spanning more than a century and even fewer such an experienced core team.

He predicted that the total accumulated service in the 25 Club would soar to more than 3,000 in the future as many more employees qualified for membership.

Senior Hargreaves, which is the largest manufacturer of ductwork in the UK, has been in existence for 125 years.

Projects in London include Lloyds, the Nat West Tower and the Barbican.

There has been nuclear industry involvement at locations such as Sizewell, Heysham and Sellafield.

Leisure contracts have included work at the Manchester Arena, Wimbledon Number One Court and the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.

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