STAFF at an architecture firm responsible for transforming out-of-town retail and leisure parks across the UK are celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Ratcliffe Groves Partnership was formed by Rawtenstall businessman Terry Ratcliffe MBE, its current chairman and key player in Rossendale's Construction Development Alliance.

The firm, which has offices in London and Greater Manchester, held a lunch reception for clients, suppliers, and local dignitaries to kick-start its celebrations.

Around 40 people attended, the company said.

Mr Ratcliffe said: "We’ve been through many recessions, seen different governments, and had an amazing journey. Not many businesses reach 50 years old, and I’m proud to have great staff and clients who have supported us over the years. I’m also proud to have trained more than 70 young people since starting the company."

Ratcliffe Groves Partnership was instrumental in shaping the out-of-town retail and leisure parks, and was once responsible for the design of around eight per cent of the UK's total.

The former Conservative MP for Bury, David Nuttall, attend the event and praised Mr Ratcliffe and his staff for their 'significant contribution' to Rossendale, Bury, and the wider economy.

Ratcliffe Groves Partnership recently said its work with supermarkets was still going strong, despite a 'perceived downturn in the market'.

The firm is designing and building stores for major brands such as Asda, which recently opened a new branch at the Greyhound Retail Park in Chester.

The company is also working with John Lewis at Home, Next, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Marks and Spencer's, and is in talks with Aldi, Lidl, and Netto.

Further celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary are planned throughout the year Mr Ratcliffe is also chair Blackburn YMCA and is a long-term supporter of the charity at local, national, and international level.

After becoming involved with the YMCA, he helped to turn its fortunes around, saying in a report: "The association no longer has the millstone of an inadequate and run-down building.

"The sale of this has enabled investment in residential properties which house needy young people and in addition, ever changing programmes relevant to young people of today.

"A great deal of hard work by a number of people has contributed to this change of direction."