Kind bosses at an Essex firm have decided to treat their employees to a birthday bash - April in Paris!

The surprise gift was made by heads at Lynfield Finishers based at the Heybridge House industrial estate, Maldon, to celebrate the firm's 25th birthday.

Bosses are paying for a party of 42 - employees and their partners - to travel to and stay in France to say thanks for 25 years of successful trading in the town.

Irene Harvey, general manager said: "We printed invitations and an itinerary to staff and sent them round to everyone just like a circular. It went down very well.

"We thought rather than just patting ourselves on the back we would thank staff. It was the best way of doing it," she added.

Production assistant manager, David Watson, of Hillside Grove, Chelmsford, could not believe his eyes when he opened his envelope: "I was very surprised. It is very nice of Lynfield to take us all away for the weekend. Everybody is looking forward to having a good time."

The firm grew out of a partnership started by Jim and Diana Kendrick and provides handfinishing services mainly to the print industry.

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