long-service awards have been made by Selby-based independent accountants and business advisers, JW Pickles and Co, to eight staff who have been with the practice a total of 267 years. Seven of the eight staff joined as school leavers.

Those honoured were:

Gordon Sykes, an accounts manager with 39 years service, of Snaith; Ruth Stansfield, secretary, 39 years, Selby; Pat Mitchell, secretary, 37 years, Thorpe Willoughby; George Dixon, accounts manager, 34 years, Snaith; Steven Brown, accounts manager, 32 years, Selby; Irene Eady, personal tax assistant, 40 years, Selby; Steve Squires, accounts manager, 29 years, Thorpe Willoughby; Janet Watson, accounts assistant, 27 years, Thorpe Willoughby.

Meanwhile, JW Pickles & Co's is to merge with York-based accountancy practice Creers next April.

Updated: 09:09 Tuesday, December 20, 2005