TWO members of staff at an award-winning family-run Milnthorpe company have been honoured after chalking up 40 years of service.

John Martindale, and David Looker, have clocked up 80 years between them at Houghton-Parkhouse Ltd, which

designs and manufactures unique livestock transporters. Also honoured was Martin Smith for achieving 25 years' service.

Both Mr Martindale and Mr Looker have worked with three generations of the family.

Mr Martindale, a skilled transporter body builder, started at the company in July 1974, while his Father was also working for the company and worked alongside him for a few years.

Company MD Michael Houghton said: "John is a most conscientious and valuable member of the team, in 40 years his attendance has been exemplary, from the records we hold we know that John has not been late for work during the last 15 years which shows his reliability and dedication to the job, for which we are most grateful.

Mr Looker, a senior design engineer, also started in November 1974. Director Pam Houghton added that Mr Looker was an 'asset to the company and a good friend to the family and his work colleagues'.

Ms Houghton added: "We hope he will stay with the company for a number of years to come, as the fourth generation have only just started school."

Mr Smith, a skilled transporter body builder started at the company in November 1989. Mr Houghton said: "Martin adapts to all the new projects he is given to undertake and like John he is never late and has an excellent attendance record throughout the 25 years he has worked for us, and we all agree he is a dedicated employee."