TONY Simpson, commercial manager for Farmway, has retired after 41 years with the company.

He joined the Stokesley branch as a trainee and, as he rose through the ranks and moved to the Piercebridge head-quarters, also served on various outside committees.

He was chairman of the UKASTA Fertiliser committee, representing the UK in Europe, and was a member of the working party which designed and introduced the Fertiliser Industry Training Scheme (FACTS).

He also organised the annual Farmway study tour which, for more than 30 years, visited all parts of the UK, many European countries and numerous agricultural shows.

Farmway staff held a dinner for him at the Dudley Arms and presented him with a number of gifts – including a signed Middlesbrough Football Club shirt which was personally presented to him by Steve Vickers, retired Middlesbrough footballer.

Mr Simpson said he had greatly enjoyed his time at Farmway and would miss the daily involvement with farmers and colleagues.

He thanked them all for their support and would cherish the many friendships he had made.

Peter Hull, chief executive, said his commitment, knowledge and loyalty would be greatly missed and John Seymour, chairman, offered him the board’s thanks and best wishes.