LONG-serving Arthur Preston was honoured with a special dinner to mark nearly 60 years with animal feed specialist HJ Lea Oakes.

Friends, family and board members of the historic milling business gathered at Crewe Hall to pay tribute to the company stalwart who began as a trainee at 17 and rose to managing director.

Back in the spring of 1957, he was at Sandbach School when a job went on the school notice board advertising jobs at Barclays Bank and the Wheelock mill then run by Herbert Lea.

The Church Lawton youngster choose the mill over the bank and after an interview with Herbert Lea was set to work in the mill.

He progressed to work in the office before becoming a buyer, travelling up and down the country to corn exchanges to deal with merchants selling and buying grain.

Down the decades he has played a leading role in the growth and reputation of HJ Lea Oakes as one of the country’s largest manufacturers of feeds for professional farmers and smallholders.

The family firm now also has bases at Aston, Wheelock, Congleton, Malpas and Prees as well as a string of Pet Food Superstores across South Cheshire.

Mr Preston led the introduction of organic milled feeds and some of the most advanced milling systems in the UK.

He said: “What a journey it has been. Back in 1957, I choose the mill over Barclays Bank which was the right decision.

“Over the years it has been my pleasure to work with three generations of the Lea family, all wonderful employers.

“The business has grown to include new mills, shops and products but the dedication to quality and strong connection with the farming community remains.

“Although in a different capacity, I am delighted to support the next generation of the Lea family.”

Mr Preston, who became managing director in 1973, is handing over the reins to Edward Lea but will still play a very active role in the business as executive vice-chairman.

HJ Lea Oakes chairman John Lea said: “Although Arthur is really only changing chairs from one job title to another, we couldn’t let his long service and commitment go unnoticed. The changes and progression of HJ Lea Oakes is a huge testament to his personal efforts.”

Father-of-two Mr Preston, of Scholar Green, was presented with a silver salver as a token of appreciation from the company which dates back to 1675 when the Lea family founded its first mill at Swettenham.