A HOLIDAY in Antigua was the surprise gift presented to H M Bennett Ltd production manager Robin Rolls to mark 25 years service with the Appleshaw company.

Robin, aged 40, was left speechless as managing director Jim Gaffney presented him with the gift in front of colleagues at the retail packing plant.

The company owns a five star hotel in Antigua and Robin and his wife Janet are now enjoying a 10-day break in the West Indies.

Jim said: "It's really a thank you to both Robin and Janet from all the directors and management of HM Bennett. There has not been a more loyal person employed in this company, he is a total professional."

Robin actually celebrates 25 years with the company on 13 June but Jim said any celebrations planned around that date would have been too obvious.

He started aged 15 as the 'lad' and worked his way up through the company, becoming supervisor, foreman and now production manager.

After receiving the gift, Robin said: "It's superb. I'd tried to book a holiday to have a week away in the sunshine but they would not let me book the time off.

"It probably won't hit me until I'm sitting on the plane."