Award-winning Stewarts have presented long service awards to 51 staff members who collectively have worked with the company for over 870 years in total.

The dinner took place at the Captain’s Club in Christchurch with a meal and a presentation to those who had worked over 10, 20 and 30 years.

Martin Stewart commented: “Our family business was established in 1742 and we are now in our eighth generation.  

"Last year our company won the prestigious ‘Dorset Family Business of the Year’ award. We know that our company could not have grown without all the hard work and support from our people. It is a real pleasure to host this dinner, to show our appreciation, to celebrate together and to have fun and thank everyone for their loyalty.”

Stewarts employs over 220 permanent people at their garden centre at Christchurch and their garden centre, nursery and landscaping department at Broomhill near Wimborne. The Christmas season is fast approaching when more seasonal staff will be employed.