THEY say your 21st birthday is a good time to take stock.

Bosses at FastLane Displays, of Clifton Moor, York, were so pleased with graphic designer Andrew Northfield's progress they actually gave him stock.

A stake in the company is certainly different from the usual presents: CD vouchers, a nice bottle or two, and a baggy knitted jumper from Auntie Doreen.

Andrew's coming-of-age gift is valued at £200,000.

It could soon grow even bigger: a true case of many happy returns.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, November 25, 2003