A HAMPSHIRE-based company has celebrated 40 years of manufacturing stairlifts with a party for 700.

Stannah said thank you to all of its members of staff, based at six locations across Andover, with a country fair-themed event.

With two huge marquees, the celebrations featured live entertainment from local performer Jack Harris throughout the day.

Employees were also treated to a hog-roast lunch, plus fun and games, which included pig racing – although no live pigs were used.

Based on the East Portway Industrial Estate, The stairlift is one of Stannah’s flagship products.

Group director Jon Stannah said the event was an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the company.

He said: “This milestone for our stairlifts business warranted a group-wide celebration.

“It was a thank you to all members of our staff who have each played a part in our success.

“The whole day was a joyous occasion.

“Additional staff located in eleven nationwide service branches each held local celebrations too.

“In 2017, our company will be celebrating 150 years of trading, now that will be a party.”

The company was started in London by Joseph Stannah, back in 1867.

Since then, Stannah has remained a British, family-owned business and more than 140 years later, the business is managed by Patrick and Jon Stannah, Joseph’s great, great grandchildren.

In the 1860s, the business designed and manufactured hoists and cranes, introducing passenger lifts at the turn of the century.

Then in 1975, it began to apply its engineering expertise to the design, manufacture and installation of stairlifts.

In 2011, Stannah produced its 500,000th stairlift, which was commemorated with a visit from the Prince of Wales.

The firm is part of the Stannah Group that includes, Stannah Lifts Limited, Stannah Microlifts Limited and Stannah Lift Services Limited.

This year it has manufactured its 600,000th stairlift and the company exports to more than 46 countries.