Two Pittards stalwarts said their goodbyes last week, looking forward to retirement after having clocked up 73 years of service at the Yeovil company between them.

Purchasing director Paul Gillett (61) left the company after 40 years and 95 trips to Ethiopia while human resources director Clive Champion (60) called it a day after 33 years with the Yeovil leather giant.

Working with the company's overseas technical development team, Mr Gillett originally visited Ethiopia to oversee the purchase of sheep and goat skins.

Over the years, the team's role has also come to include technical and environmental work, increasing Mr Gillett's amount of airmiles.

His replacement has been appointed from within Pittards. John Moriarty will take up the role as purchasing and utilisation director, and comes well prepared as he joined Pittards in 1974.

Mr Moriarty studied chemistry, physics and mathematics at Trinity College, Dublin, and also attended Leathersellers' College in London before joining the company.

Mr Gillett commented on the appointment by saying: "Of course I am sad to be leaving such a wonderful company, but my successor has a wealth of experience.

"He knows the business well, and he also knows Ethiopia. It is good to retire knowing someone so capable is taking over my role."

Clive Champion's replacement has also been recruited from within. Jill Williams joined Pittards in 1989, becoming company secretary two years later.

Mr Champion said much had changed in human resources during the 33 years he has been involved.

"The role is far more challenging today than when I started. Even the name has changed from personnel to human resources.

"There has been a cascade of legislation from Europe, which is making the role far more challenging."