Six workers with learning disabilities have been honoured for long service at an Oxford firm.

The staff have all worked for at least 10 years at Oxford Wholefoods, set up 15 years ago to employ people with learning disabilities.

Managing director Gay Goodall, who took over the Osney Mead firm in 1994, said they had all made a valuable contribution.

The company, which supplies health food shops and Co-op stores in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Swindon with foods such as beans and pulses, employs 37 staff, 28 of whom have learning disabilities.

Georgina Platt, 29, of Bartlett Close, Witney, has worked for Oxford Wholefoods for 10 years after being referred to the company by social services.

Miss Platt, who helps pack and weigh food, said: "It's like a home from home, I really enjoy it.

"If I was not working here I probably would not have a job because it's very hard to find somewhere that would take me on. I've got friends and they have found it very difficult to get jobs."

Other staff who received awards included John Quainton and Errol Gayle, who both live in Oxford and have worked for the company for 13 years, David Newitt, of Thame, who has worked there for 12 years, and Paul Howard and Nichola Woodley, of Oxford, who have worked there for 10 years.

Mrs Goodall, who works closely with social services, said six other members of staff would receive long-service awards next year.

"It doesn't matter if they pack one bag a minute or 10, they are all extremely valued," she said.