Gist's Hemel Hempstead site celebrated its big 40th in style, treating all employees to a special buffet lunch, and distributing birthday cupcakes to signify the landmark operational anniversary.

For five of the longest servers, who have been at Hemel from the very beginning, it's a year of double celebration - as they reach their own 40th service anniversaries.

Gist moved into the building at the beginning of August 1978, when BOC Transhield laid the foundations for the expansion of its M&S delivery operations. The site has been servicing the retailer ever since.

"For me, Hemel is more than a building and workplace," says Warehouse Operative Ian Kemp. "I've spent so much time here and met so many good friends, I feel like this is as much my home now,"