TWO long-serving Test Valley Borough Council employees were thanked for a quarter of a century of dedicated service in a special ceremony at Beech Hurst recently.

Environmental supervisor Brian Ritchie and performance manager Roger Smith were both presented with gifts, a Test Valley decanter as a memento and a certificate by Test Valley Mayor Cllr Tony Gentle.

Mr Ritchie joined the borough council in 1977 as a motor mechanic/vehicle fitter. In 1992 he joined the environment and health team and took on the role of cleansing supervisor, ensuring his colleagues did their jobs to keep the streets clean.

He now ensures all manner of environmental hazard is removed including fly tips and abandoned cars.

He received a hedge cutter and other machine and gardening tools.

Mr Smith joined the council in 1978 as a senior works study officer in technical services.

His first staff appointment was Jan Quirk, who still works alongside him to this day.

He achieved a Professional Diploma in Management from the Open University in 1996 and progressed through the ranks to principal management services officer before joining the chief executive's office in 1997 as performance manager.

He received computer equipment.

Chief executive Alan Jones said: "No one works for a council like this for 25 years without making a substantial contribution.

"I know you have and I thank you both for that."