People say there's no such thing as a job for life - but Bradford twins have proved them wrong by racking up an amazing 98 years' service between them at the same company.

Ian and John Hepton, who have worked for Bradford Armature Winding Company Ltd since 1957, have celebrated their retirement with champagne.

"They have been very loyal and excellent representatives of the company," said managing director Chris Lawn.

Ian and John, 65, have worked for the company through three generations of the Lawn family, who established the company in 1919.

The pair have witnessed the company move from being a regional firm to manufacturing and then distributing electric motors, transformers and other equipment nationally and overseas.

Mr Lawn said: "As the company developed, they both helped with their experience and expertise, so will be sorely missed.

"They have taught a lot of people throughout the years and everyone looks up to them, so it will be sad to see them go. They have been more than employees, we consider them friends."

Ian started with the company two months before his brother in August 1957, when he was offered a job by a director of the company while delivering newspapers and working for a local greengrocer.

"He offered both of us jobs and John dared me to start there first," said Ian. "I was told that money would get better here in the long run and I've been here long enough to be doing well!"

Ian has had unbroken service since starting, while John had a six-month spell with a different company in Bristol.

The twins, both of Clayton, are among the longest-serving employees in the company's history although Kenneth Dobson, who left in 2001, worked there for 51 years.

Mr Dobson had started when he was 14, but left to serve national service, which the twins missed out on by 18 months.

"I must say that my time here has been enjoyable throughout," said John.

"We've worked through all the changes here, and lived through all the ups and downs, supporting the Lawn family as best we can.

"The highlight, however, must be working alongside my brother and meeting all the new people. It has been great here and I have loved working with him."

At their retirement, Ian was manager of the transformer manufacturing department while John was head of motor repairs.

John had worked as a sales rep for 20 years before changing positions.

The Hepton dynasty has seen John's son Craig and Ian's three sons Steven, Simon and Alan work there full or part-time over the years.

Ian plans to do more on the garden and with his wife and said he might take up bowls with friends in the village. John's immediate plan for the future is to enjoy some time off before travelling abroad.

"I holiday in Thailand every year and have friends in Portugal. I also have relations in New Zealand and Tasmania that I would also like to visit. But the major plan is to enjoy my retirement and help my brother enjoy his," he said.