TWO members of the team at a garden centre in York are celebrating this month after clocking up 69 years of dedicated service to the business between them.

The longest-serving employee at Poppleton Garden Centre, which is located in Northfield Lane at Upper Poppleton, is Horticultural Expert, Stephen Pickering, 62, who has been working at the garden centre for 47 years.

Joining Stephen, on the garden centre’s longest-serving employees’ roll of honour is administrator Barbara Thresh, who has 22 years’ service under her belt. Stephen was recognised for his commitment to the company at a special presentation ceremony in London recently. Unfortunately, Barbara was unable to attend due to other commitments.

Michael Parker, manager of the garden centre, said: “We are extremely grateful for the dedication shown by our longest-serving team members. “