BRINTONS' own magnificent seven rode into town to pick up mementoes marking their 40 years of service each producing one of the firm's most popular carpets.

Company chiefs marked the 40th anniversary of the Bell Twist range by presenting decanters, port and certificates to employees who had been continuously involved in the carpet's manufacture.

Bell Twist is now made at Brintons' works on Stourport Road, having originally been produced at Castle Mill in Kidderminster.

It came in eight colours when it was launched in 1965 but has now expanded to the extent that customers can choose from 50.

The three women honoured were pickers, Jane Hatton, of Cathedral Avenue and Linda Thomas, of Larches Road, and assessor, Avril Pimm, of Chester Road, all Kidderminster.

Weavers, Dave Salters, of Whittle Drive, Birchen Coppice and Martin Canty, of Trinity Grange, both Kidderminster, pile beamer, Graham Nicholls, of Hanstone Road, Stourport and Wilton weaving manager, Gwilym Davies, of Tennyson Way, Kidderminster, also had their long service recognised.

Michael Brinton, the firm's chairman, in making the presentations, at Brintons' Exchange Street premises in Kidderminster, said: "The product eventually became the market leader", adding it had "stood the company in very good stead".

Group managing director, Harry Reilly, explained long service was common throughout the Brintons workforce, saying: "How many companies in the UK would you find that have 10 to 15 people every year who have completed 40 years service?"

The carpet trade has recognised Bell Twist, with the range judged best woven carpet in the Flooring Industry Awards 2005.