Print works manager Colin Swains was presented with gifts to mark his 40 years' service at Abbey Press in Abingdon, writes David Duffy.

The presentation was made by retired employee Jim Gale, who began working there before Colin was born.

Both Colin and Jim, who live in Abingdon, joined the company as trainee compositors. Jim, now 76, left school at 14 and was employed at Abbey Press in September 1938 at five shillings a week. At that time Abbey Press was in the Candle House, Stert Street, on land now occupied by the district council offices.

Colin started at 15 on 2 5s a week in 1960. His six-year apprenticeship learning the printing trade was spent largely under Jim's instruction.

Managing director Mike Edwards said: "Much of the company's success is due to the expertise and dedication of our staff, many of whom have been at Abbey Press for 20, 30, 40 or more years."

Abbey Press is one of Abingdon's oldest printing companies and its origins can be traced back to 1839. Today the business has contracts with many local and national organisations.

Abingdon itself has a long and close association with the printing trade. The earliest known printing in England by William Caxton was a document for the Abbot of Abingdon back in 1476.