Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council held a ceremony to recognise tenured employees for their service across 25 and 40 years.

The council hosted their annual Long Service Awards, in the Assembly Theatre at Barnsley Civic, where 51 employees received long service awards.

46 colleagues were recognised for their 25 years of service, joining the council between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2001.

Five colleagues were recognised for their 40 years of service, joining between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986. Combined the employees totaled 1,375 years of loyal service.

Colleagues and their guests had afternoon tea ‘while swapping memories and stories of their many years’ service.’

The ceremony featured a ‘nostalgic’ presentation featuring film premieres, pop music hits and notable events from the years the attendees joined Barnsley Council.

Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor William Brown, and the Chief Executive of Barnsley Council, Sarah Norman, thanked the colleagues for their contribution over the last 25 and 40 years in ‘creating the borough of possibilities we see today.’

Employees were given a long service certificate and a token of appreciation from their Executive Director, while a final expression of gratitude was given by the Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Liam Hardcastle.

Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor William Brown, said: “There was a real celebratory atmosphere, and I enjoyed catching up with colleagues about their highlights of working for the council.

Their dedication is greatly appreciated, and they have played a vital role in working for our residents and providing the support they need and rely on.”

Sarah Norman, Chief Executive of Barnsley Council, said: “It is amazing and humbling to see how many of our colleagues have served for so long with such pride.

This year’s award ceremony was a wonderful celebration and a chance for us to honour them with a small gesture of our appreciation.

We are passionate about recognising and rewarding our colleagues for the fantastic work they do.

A heartfelt thanks goes to them all for the last 25 – and 40 – years and I wish them well for the years ahead.”