Vertu Motors has recognised 13 colleagues with a collective 350 years of service with a celebration lunch at Chateau Impney.

The lunch, hosted by Vertu Motors chief executive Robert Forrester, saw attendees thanked for their commitment to the business and encouraged those to share their stories.

Among the attendees was Maria Rees, human resources manager based at Vertu’s Gateshead head office.

Rees is a County bowls champion, having represented Staffordshire at county competitions monthly, where she took the gold medal. She has supported the company for the last 20 years in her human resources role.

Vertu Motors’ chief executive Robert Forrester said: “Vertu believes strongly in recognising the dedication and hard work of its colleagues, which is why these celebratory lunches are so important.

“The workforce is the life blood of any business and ours is thriving thanks to excellent colleagues, each of whom goes above and beyond to ensure customers receive the best possible service or to support our dealership teams. Many have spent their entire careers with our dealerships and we consider them family.

“Hearing the testimonials from colleagues, it is clear to me that each and every one of the longest serving colleagues is invaluable to Vertu Motors and I would like to thank them for being so brilliant.”