ROBERTS has honoured 47 loyal workers for their combined 1,000 years of service at the family-run bakery.

The employees have chalked up a total of 1,010 years between them, with five people - Stephen Keri, Nigel Owen, Alan Nicholls, Peter Latham and Graham Jones - all serving for 40 years each.

Dave Gleave, another long-serving employee, went one better as he was commemorated for reaching an incredible 50-year milestone at the Rudheath-based company.

More employees were honoured for reaching the 15 and 30 year milestones.

The long-serving staff gathered to celebrate with fourth generation Roberts family members Mike Roberts and Lindsay Occleston at a special event at Vale Royal Abbey.

Northwich Guardian:

Pete Latham (centre) with fourth generation Roberts family members Lindsay Occleston and Mike Roberts

Pete Latham, one of the 40-year servers who is from Middlewich, began his career at the firm in 1980 and is employed as an engineer.

“It means a lot to me to receive this recognition from Roberts Bakery,” he said.

“I certainly didn’t expect to be here for this long, but I’ve always enjoyed working at Roberts and there’s always been plenty of opportunity to try something new.

“Roberts has been such a big part of my life and I have seen it develop over the last four decades, but it does still feel very much a family business.”

Lindsay Occleston added: “These awards are very important to Roberts Bakery and give us the chance to say a well-deserved ‘thank you’ to people for their long service.

“There are not many businesses in this day and age that can mark such dedication from people and it’s a great honour to celebrate this achievement with some of our most loyal employees.”