A FAMILY firm whose 72 staff have clocked up more than 1,000 years of service has recognised another of its long servers.

Martin Elsworth, 61, has worked at Masham-based I’Anson Brothers for 25 years and was recently honoured by managing director Chris I’Anson and sales director Will I’Anson.

He joined the specialist farm animal feed suppliers in April 1992 and worked in various roles before settling in the blending control room, which weighs and mixes ingredients for the animal feed, where he has worked for the last 18 years.

Bedale-born Mr Elsworth said: “It says a lot about the company when so many members of staff have spent such a long time here. This is a real family place; we all work hard for each other and to provide customers with a top quality product.

“Receiving the Queen’s Award in 2008 was a particular highlight for me and showcases how hard we work on maintaining and further developing our high standards. Over the whole 25 years, the company has been absolutely brilliant – I’ve loved every second.”

Chris I’Anson, said: “It’s a source of huge pride for us to see yet another member of staff reach such an impressive milestone at the company. We strive to provide an engaging, secure and, above all, enjoyable place to work for all of our team.”

I’Anson is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of animal feedstuffs and has been supplying farmers in Yorkshire and across the country since 1900.

In 2008, it received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category in recognition of its development of the revolutionary quick-soaking sugar beet feed Speedi-Beet. A market leader in the equine feed sector, it is exported to 26 countries including Australia, the USA, and Canada, along with many across the Middle East and Europe.

I’Anson is one of the UK’s most successful specialist suppliers of farm feeds for sheep, dairy and beef cattle as well as micronized ingredients.