LONG-serving employees within Shepherd Group’s Built Environment Division have racked up 470 years at the business.

The 17 employees were rewarded with a celebratory presentation lunch in York.

Fourteen of the employees, from Shepherd Construction, SES, Shepherd Homes and Shepherd FM, have notched up 25 years’ service and three staff members have worked within the group for 40 years.

Mark Perkins, chief executive of Shepherd Group Built Environment Division, said: “Our people are our business and our success is due entirely to them.

“That makes it important that we celebrate milestones for those employees who have dedicated 25 and 40 years of their working lives to the group.

“This level of service encompasses not only commitment but an ability to adapt along with the business itself.

“I would personally like to thank them for their hard work and commitment, which we value greatly.”