A COUPLE whose wedding list included two manure spreaders to help them set up in business are celebrating half a century of successful trade 50 years later.

When John and Sue Harrison married in 1966, they asked for the items to help them set up a farm equipment hire business based in Settrington.

Harrison Hire and Sales (HHS) has evolved into an industrial equipment cleaning specialist offering sales, maintenance and repairs, and a spares service, growing to such an extent that it now operates from two additional sites in Hull and Leeds.

HHS supplies a diverse range of industries from farming to food processing, healthcare to hospitality, manufacturing to motor vehicles and has achieved the status of top independent dealer for both Karcher and Nilfisk, while continually developed its range to meet the needs of customers including the manufacture of bespoke pressure cleaning systems.

The day to day running of the business has passed on to the next generation, and is now in the hands of two of Mr and Mrs Harrison's children, Tom and Anne.

Tom, who is the sales director, described HHS as a family-run company which focused on building long term relationships with customers, and offering them outstanding service and value.

Talking about the success his parents have achieved with the business, he said: "I believe that their decision to look for new business areas when the farming industry started to face financial challenges was an insightful move.

"While we still have a core of agricultural customers, our online presence is continuing to grow, and we are developing new markets within the UK and Europe.

"However, we will continue to offer the traditional personal service that is valued by our local customers and has been instrumental in our achieving this milestone."

To celebrate 50 years in business, Harrisons Hire and Sales ais welcoming past, present and future customers to an Anniversary Open Day at the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, near York.

The event will start at 9.30am on Wednesday, May 11.

There will also be industry expert advice, offers, and live demonstrations. Every visitor will gain entry to the air museum and receive a free ticket for a prize draw.