A COMPANY celebrating its centenary held a special day at the races for hundreds of its customers.

I'Anson Brothers, the Masham animal feedstuffs company, was joined by more than 600 customers at Ripon racecourse. They were treated to champagne, strawberries and cream and a complimentary Tote bet on the main race of the day - the I'Anson Brothers Bell Ringer handicap stakes.

The event turned into a double celebration, for it is 100 years since the first race was run at the course.

Mr Chris I'Anson, managing director of the company, said customers were the most important part of their business. "Many of them have been with us for generations and we thought it important that they were part of our centenary celebrations," he said. "The day proved to be a wonderful event."

Mrs Margaret I'Anson, whose husband Derek is company chairman, presented prizes of specially-commissioned bowls by Uredale Glass to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.

She is pictured presenting Mr Mark Johnston, owner of the winning horse, with his prize, watched by Mr Derek I'Anson.

I'Anson's is the largest European manufacturer of micronized feed and, through its Newton Aycliffe subsidiary of Dale Country Foods, it also supplies leading companies in the dessert, confectionery and brewing markets.

The business was founded in a small shop in Masham in 1900 by Mr Christopher I'Anson, great grandfather of the current managing director. Today the business employs 60 staff and has an annual turnover of £20m.

The race day was one of several events the company has planned for this year. A specially-commissioned book will be launched in the autumn.