MORE than 100 years of farming experience is being celebrated at a York farm.

Three workers who have served 130 years between them at an Appleton Roebuck farm are being thanked by their former employers as the last hangs up his boots.

Geoffrey Grayson, 65, was guest of honour at a retirement party thrown by HW Mills and partners of North Hall farm.

Geoffrey has been at the farm for 50 years, but retires this month, following colleagues Frank Dale, 73, who has served 42 years, and Peter Laurence, 65, who has served 38 years.

Geoffrey said: "To be honest, it's brilliant to be retiring after all these years.

"I have had a good time, I've worked for good employers - I wouldn't have stayed with the same boss for 50 years otherwise - but I am looking forward to it. I have enjoyed being with the people I have been working with too - it will be quite a party to celebrate it all on Wednesday - and it is nice to know they have appreciated what we have done too."

The three men were employed by Henry Mills, 82, who has also retired from the farm.

The business is now run by Mr Mills's sons, Charles and Roger, and their wives, Gillian and Virginia.

Charles said: "It is the end of an era, and people like that really are irreplaceable."

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, April 17, 2003