OFFICE manager Wendy Bainbridge has completed 20 years with North Yorkshire Timber at their head office in Northallerton.

To mark the occasion, the 38-year-old was presented with a gold watch and a bouquet of flowers.

Ms Bainbridge began her career with the timber importers and suppliers as an office junior after leaving school. She became office manager ten years ago and now has responsibility for six staff working in administration and accounts.

She has seen the number of staff at the company rise from ten to 100. North Yorkshire Timber has five sales centres in the region and a 120,000sq ft storage, distribution and fabrication centre at Brompton-on-Swale. The company will soon move to a £1m head office and sales centre being built in Northallerton .

Ms Bainbridge said: "When I started, I had a desk behind the trade counter and often helped out with sales when it was busy. Times have certainly changed, but there is still a good working atmosphere in the company. I enjoy my contact with customers too, making sure their accounts are running smoothly."

Finance director Alan Gulliver said: "Wendy is a real asset to the company and knows many aspects of the business. We hope she will continue to be part of the team for many more years to come."