A MAN who has never had a day off sick during half a century with the same company has been presented with an award.

Ian Hanlon was just 15 when he started his long career at William Don Limited. And this week his 50-year career - unblemished by a single day off sick- was recognised with a long-service award.

After a group reorganisation, Ian transferred to what was then Wheat Electronics in 1984 as the only electronics production staff member. Over the years he has helped the company to grow and prosper in his role as production manager for all electronic products.

The company held a reward ceremony for Ian on Tuesday. Stuart Andrew, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough attended the celebration and Mr Norman Wheat, chairman of the Donelec Group, presented Ian with his award.

A spokesman said: “The electronics side of the business is a very innovative and forward-thinking company that has grown on the back of developing world-leading electronic products for their customers in their respective sectors. Don Electronics currently directly export a quarter of its turnover to Europe and half indirectly to the USA.”

Currently the group employs more than 100 people, 50 of them situated in a new purpose built facility in Yeadon.