An electrical firm staged its largest awards ceremony to date for long-serving staff in 1993.

Ashley and Rock chief executive Brian Monk supervised at the Ulverston firm’s long-service awards event.

Mr Monk presented six members of staff with gold watches to mark 25 years’ service at the company’s Morecambe Road factory.

All six award winners began with the company in 1968, which Mr Monk said was a ‘vintage’ year.

Mr Monk added: “It says something about our company that people stay with us.

“It’s the people who make Ashleys. We have a good product and a good team of people.”

Those receiving long-service awards were:

Bernard Doran (plastics moulding department), 57, of Harley Street, Ulverston: Tony Bower (warehouse), 51, of Soutergate, Ulverston: Annette Lund (small components assembly department), 52, of Cook Street, Barrow; Les Lindsey (plastics moulding department foreman), 48, of Oxford Street, Ulverston; Fred Johnson (warehouse), 52, of York Square, Ulverston; and Arnold Jackson (building maintenance department), 50, of Cartmel Drive, Croftlands.

After the ceremony the company treated them to lunch at Barrow’s Abbey House Hotel.

In 1994 Ashley and Rock lit up a major European trade fair and won an award for its illuminating display.

The Ulverston firm scooped the award for the best large stand at the European Lightshow at London’s Earl’s Court.

It was intended to highlight Ashley and Rock as one of the more innovative electrical design and manufacturing firms.

Designed by Linear Advertising and Marketing of Kendal, it was described by judges as 'visually impressive, very original and exceptionally well co-ordinated'.

Commercial director of Ashley and Rock Bob Walker was presented with a certificate and a magnum of champagne by the president of the Lighting Association.

Mr Walker said: "We have made many advances over the past 12 months to counteract the effects of recession and take every opportunity to promote our products."