TEN audit professionals with Hollins-based business advisers DTE have clocked up more than a century of experience.

The veterans at the company will be celebrating their "ton-up" teamwork with a slap-up party.

Audit director John Turner, who himself recently completed 25 years of service, said: "This level of experience gives the firm great stability and a long-term understanding of the local business community.

"At a time when staff retention is an acute issue in the accountancy profession, I believe our audit team's strength in depth represents a formidable competitive advantage as well as a gratifying tribute to the firm as a firm career platform and a desirable place to work."

Among the veterans are director and audit management principal Tony Taylor (53), who joined DTE in 1987, and partner Mike Jacques (47), who began his appointment with the company in the same year.

Partner Lesley Haresnape (39), became an audit manager in 1987 while associate Fiona O'Loughlin, aged 40, joined DTE in 1994.

Senior audit manager Julie Ward (35), moved to DTE in 1986 while Carolyn Wilkinson (29), was promoted to manager in 1999, seven years after joining the company as a trainee.

Keith Hood (28), has been promoted through the ranks from junior audit clerk to manager after starting work at DTE as a college leaver in 1992.

Audit manager Gillian Marsden (35), began her career with the firm in 1988 while Lydia Hewitt (35), became a manager in DTE's audit department after joining the business in 1986.

And head of administration Mireille Mawdsley, aged 33, moved to DTE from a local firm of solicitors in 1989.