Five loyal employees with more than 100 years’ service have been presented with long-service awards by Isle of Man Meats.

They all work at the company’s meat plant in Tromode, and were presented with gift vouchers by plant manager Phil Parsons.

He said: ’Producing premium quality meat is only possible by recruiting and retaining the right people.

’We’re very fortunate to have so many experienced colleagues working with us.

’I’m delighted to present these awards as a recognition of their hard work and loyalty over so many years.’

Receiving awards were dispatch/local sales manager Graham Hands (34 years’ service); Stephen Kelly, who works in the engineering department (20 years); dispatch supervisor Marslcus Mitchell (18 years); lairage officer Chris Brown (18 years); and plant operative Adrian Bandola (12 years).

Isle of Man Meats is the supplier of locally-produced beef, lamb and pork sold both on and off-island.

It holds BRC Grade A status for its meat plant and in August this year Isle of Man Meats products won nine (five two-star awards, and four one-star) Great Taste Awards.

The awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are often described as the food and drink sectors’ equivalent of the Oscars.

Plant manager Phil Parsons presents the long-service awards to Isle of Man Meats employees. Left to right are Stephen Kelly, Marcus Mitchell, Phil Parsons, Graham Hands, Adrian Bandola and Chris Brown