OTLEY-based stationery manufacturer Sinclairs has bid a fond farewell to its long-serving production manager.

Peter Nithsdale has retired after serving nearly 48 years with the company, which is one of the town’s largest employers.

A farewell party and presentation evening for the 64-year-old, who joined the business as an apprentice printer in August, 1967, has been held.

Sinclairs chairman Paul Howard said: “Peter will have seen an immense amount of changes over his decades involved with the printing and stationery industry.

“The continual move to digital technologies and level of automation would not have been dreamt of when he first started. We wish him well in his retirement and many happy hours on the golf course!”

The company has been producing stationery since 1837 and employs 111 people.