Achieving his 50-year milestone at Go North East, Stores Supervisor Ian McPherson received a standing ovation after his achievements, and those of his long-standing peers, were celebrated at the operator’s 69th annual Long Service Awards.
Ian was joined at the awards ceremony by team members who were being honoured for their dedicated service for 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years, as well as his wife Moya.
Ian got the job of apprentice store keeper at the age of 15. His gran lived next door to a cleaner at the Queen Street depot in Bensham, who told them that the company was recruiting, and Ian has never looked back.
Ian says: “Although I realise I can’t work forever, I’m currently fit for my age and would find it hard to leave. If I didn’t love my job, I would have left a long time ago.”
Ian accepted his trophy from Go North East Managing Director Martijn Gilbert, who presented each winner with gifts and certificates.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 55 team members, together totalling 1,935 years with the company.
