A FLINTSHIRE retail park is continuing its summer of anniversary celebrations, by recognising colleagues who have been at the centre since the opening day in 1999.

A full 25 years on, 33 members of Broughton Shopping Park's original team are still working at the site, including colleagues at Tesco and McDonald's. Some of them have shared their memories of the park in the early days and revealed what has made them stay put for a quarter of a century - with one colleague even finding life-long love.

Simon Aldridge, 42, is manager at McDonald's. He said: "I'm lucky enough to be able to say I truly love my job at Broughton. Every day is different, and my team is amazing, but of course my highlight has to be meeting my wife here. We met on her first day in 2001 and the rest is history!

Simon Aldridge with Broughton centre manager, Alan Pruden-Barker.

Simon Aldridge with Broughton centre manager, Alan Pruden-Barker.

"There's been huge change since I started, but it's great to see Broughton continue to grow. The local community here is fantastic, and I have loved getting to know our regulars over the years - it really does feel like a big family!"

Tina Evans, 59, a self service assistant at Tesco, said: "From my very first day at Tesco Broughton, I remember the centre being incredibly welcoming, and whilst there have been huge improvements to the store over the years - such as touch-screen tills and self-service Costa Coffee - the friendliness of the team has always remained the same."

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Kelly Weaver, 42, branch hub manager at Max Spielmann in Tesco, added: "I first started working at Broughton when I was just 17 and have been here ever since! A lot has changed since over 25 years in photo printing - I used to have to mix chemicals and develop prints in a dark bag, but now you can print with the touch of a button!

"From fun days and duck races, to in-store catwalks and seeing in the millennium - it's been a brilliant 25 years. I've made so many incredible friends and memories and I can't wait for the years to come."

Centre manager, Alan Pruden-Barker, with long-serving Tesco colleagues.

Centre manager, Alan Pruden-Barker, with long-serving Tesco colleagues.

Melissa Collin, 56, a personal shopper at Tesco, said: "I've seen so many improvements to the store over the years as we've just gotten bigger and better, offering more and more choice for customers. From working on the health and beauty counter when I first started, to my current role as a personal shopper, I've loved meeting all the friendly locals and the brilliant team I get to work with every day."

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Commenting on all long serving colleagues, Alan Pruden-Barker, centre manager at Broughton, said: "It's wonderful to hear the stories from all those that have been with Broughton since its opening 25 years ago. It's a real testament to the brilliant people who both work and shop with us that so many have stayed for so long.

"We're hugely grateful to each and every one of them for their dedication, and they have no doubt helped us to go from strength to strength over the years. I know the local community, many of whom will recognise some familiar faces here, will join me in saying a huge thank you to our brilliant teams."

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The commendation of colleagues' long service comes as the latest moment in a range of celebrations to mark Broughton's 25th birthday.

The centre's big birthday bash last month invited visitors to celebrate in style, with face painting and the DeeSign choir all keeping visitors entertained. Broughton even developed its very own bespoke ice cream flavour to mark the occasion, with 650 free cones of the winning flavour, strawberry jelly given away on the day.

Throughout July, Cineworld Broughton hosted a nostalgic film event, showcasing 1999's most memorable movies in celebration of the centre's birthday.