THE reopening of Hythe Pier turned into a double celebration when four of its longer-serving members of staff received cakes and champagne in recognition of ten years' service or more.
The pier and Hythe Ferry were taken over by their present owners White Horse Ferries ten years ago and to mark the occasion, the presentations were made to staff who were already there when the takeover occurred.
Longest-serving was Alan Powell, left, still driving the pier train after being recruited in 1980, Patrick Malkinson, second from left, who followed his father's footsteps as a ferry captain in 1987, office administrator Margaret Swain and painter, welder and general maintenance worker Gerry Barton, who joined in May 1993.
Director Richard Lay said: "No one does just one job.
"Everyone helps out by doing extra things when needed and that is one of the reasons we have got the pier back into use so quickly."
The pier was put out of action when it was hit by the dredger Donald Redford on November 1.
However, the ferry remained in service - from Hythe Marina - before returning to the pier this week.
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