LONG-serving Roberts Bakery employee Mike Dutton is toasting a new chapter in his life – his retirement after an amazing 53 years with the firm.

Mike, from Northwich, joined Roberts Bakery on the van sales team in 1962 at the age of 16, the same year Ringo Starr joined the Beatles and the first James Bond film Dr No premiered.

Now 55 years on logistics co-ordinator Mike is looking forward to a well-earned retirement, making him one of the longest serving employees the family-run bakery has had.

Despite a short break, Mike has chalked up 53 years of service with the business.

Roberts family member Lindsay Occleston said: “There are so few businesses that have such a long heritage and genuine family values, and even fewer which have loyal staff who have served for more than half a century.

“Mike is one of our longest-ever serving members of staff and has been a terrific asset in many areas of the business during his career with us.

“Many people at Roberts will miss him and I would like to say a huge thank you to him for all his hard work over the years.”

Mike, 71, joined the company straight from Winsford Grammar School and was offered a part-time position as a van sales assistant.

He quickly learned to drive and became a permanent member of staff selling and delivering Roberts’ loaves around the region.

Mike served in the van sales team for the early part of his career with Roberts. He has also worked as a wholesale supervisor, dispatch manager and morning goods manager. He has worked in logistics since 2005.

Mike has passed on his passion for Roberts Bakery, as his son Mark Dutton works for the business in slicing.

Mike said: “I’ve been really lucky to work with some fantastic people and have enjoyed my time at Roberts.

“It’s a real family business that looks after people, which is rare these days. There are many people I will miss seeing, but I am looking forward to my retirement and spending more time with my wife and five grandchildren.”