THE face of one of York's best-known independent retailers is celebrating 50 years at his store.

Ian Thompson, 65, managing director of Barnitts hardware store, in Colliergate, was presented with a huge clock to mark the milestone.

The clock - designed by one of the city's most famous architects, the late Tom Adams - was given to Ian by his children, Sally and Paul, and mounted on the shop-front.

Ian, whose family has been associated with the company for almost a century, paid tribute to his staff and customers.

He said: "I have had some fabulous staff and we have got an absolutely loyal customer base. I thoroughly enjoy being very active in the business and I still travel Europe to all the trade exhibitions.

"I'm still heavily involved and still feel as if I have got a lot of years left to contribute to the company. I still think I am very forward-thinking in business."

The shop was established in 1896 by George Barnitt, and Ian's father and uncle worked in the store before they bought the company in 1913.

Ian left school at the age of 15 and joined the firm, eventually taking over the business at the age of 27 in 1955.

The shop has expanded hugely over the decades, and Ian's children now help to run the business. But Ian said he has no plans to retire and hopes to devote many more years to Barnitts.

He said: "I am very fortunate that my children will be able to carry the company forward. This is not retirement. As long as my body and brain keep going, I will still be around Barnitts. I can't let go."

Underneath the clock is a black cat, which was the signature of Tom Adams, who died in February aged 75 at his home in Aldwark, York.

The distinctive animal sculptures can be spotted scampering or sitting on many buildings across the city.

Meanwhile, Ian and his son, Paul, were presented with a Selby Town football shirt to thank the firm for sponsoring the team's under-19s side this season.

Nigel Briggs, from the team, said: "It has been tremendous. The sponsorship for the shirt was a real boost and we would really like to thank Barnitts for their help."

Updated: 09:22 Thursday, May 25, 2006