A HAULAGE firm that started life as a husband and wife team transporting churns of milk is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Sam and Jessie Bargh began delivering milk from farmers to dairies from their home in Claughton in 1935.

Last month, SJ Bargh Ltd, a founding member of Palletforce, celebrated its 75th anniversary by opening a five-acre operating site in Lancaster.

The Lancashire-based company also showed its continuing commitment to its long association with Palletforce by investing £90,000 in three new vehicles for Britain's leading palletised distribution network.

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive of Palletforce, said: "Over the past 75 years SJ Bargh has grown without losing any of the commitment to hard work and good service that makes them so successful.

"Seventy five years in business is a remarkable achievement for any firm and reaching this milestone is testament to the dedication and professionalism at SJ Bargh."

SJ Bargh Managing Director Stuart Cornthwaite said: "The secret to our success and longevity is simple - hard work and dedication."

Stuart joined the company 41 years ago as a fitter before moving on to become a driver, and 16 years ago he took over the helm as MD.

He is not the only SJ Bargh employee to have remained loyal to the firm - two drivers from the farm collection side of the business recently celebrated their 25th and 27th anniversaries with the company.