A PAIR of long-serving care workers have been saluted by their employer after clocking up a total of 40 years service.

Cleaner Maureen Golden and resident manager Olive Watson have each worked at the Burn Promenade sheltered housing scheme in Houghton-le-Spring for 20 years.

Mrs Watson said: "Maureen and I started within a few weeks of each other, and we've worked here together over the last 20 years. It seems such a long time, but we've really enjoyed it."

Stephanie Murphy, operations director for Newcastle employer Two Castles Housing Association, said: "We'd like to congratulate Olive and Maureen on passing the 20 years' service mark, and I hope they have many more years of enjoyment at Two Castles.

"We really appreciate and value the loyalty of all our employees, including Olive and Maureen, and it's pleasing to know they enjoy their jobs so much that they stay with us for such a long time."