Construction and property group MJ Gleeson, of Newcastle, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a rewards package for its employees, ranging from free shares and health insurance, to an extra two days' holiday, and a £300 Christmas bonus for all employees earning less than £30,000 per year.

Company chairman Dermot Gleeson said: "We see the Gleeson Group as a living community whose members take pride in their abilities and their work. As 2003 is our centenary year, the board of directors wanted to mark the occasion generously and memorably.''