A REUNION of one of the biggest employers in Beccles has attracted 90 former workers.Elliott and Garrood, an engineering company, was founded in 1868 and remained in Gosford Road until its closure in around 1984.

A REUNION of one of the biggest employers in Beccles has attracted 90 former workers.

Elliott and Garrood, an engineering company, was founded in 1868 and remained in Gosford Road until its closure in around 1984.

And on Friday, employees ranging from 50 to the grand age of 96, reunited again at the Royal British Legion Club, where they enjoyed a buffet and a chance to reminisce about the old days.

Elliott and Garrood made munitions during the second world war and valves for the oil and gas industry.

The reunion was the brainchild of former workers Tony Holt and John Joiner, who thought it was about time to bring many old colleagues back together,

One of the oldest guests was 96-year-old Harry Perry, as well as Bob Peck, 91, both of whom enjoyed looking at Tony's old photographs he had collected over the years.

It also became apparent that many of the characters featured in the pictures were unrecognised and Tony, who worked in the machine shop for six years from 1971, hopes that readers may be able to identify them.

He said of the evening: “It was utterly fantastic, I got quite emotional. We're going to try and do another reunion and go more in depth to find people.”

Tony and John thanked Sue Woods for providing the buffet, alongside Neil and Janet from the Royal British Legion and their professional bar staff.