ONE of the largest businesses in the town has celebrated its 10th birthday with a party for its staff and families.

Crediton Dairy is one of the UK’s leading dairy drinks businesses producing an extensive range of fresh flavoured and functional chilled milk drinks, iced coffee and long life milks and creams.

Located in the heart of Devon, it is dedicated to producing great tasting dairy products made from British milk supplied by local, family-run, dairy farms.

All of this comes from its well invested dairy situated in the middle of Crediton in a county which is, of course, synonymous with dairy farming and great tasting dairy products.

Crediton Dairy says it is incredibly proud to be continuing this tradition.

Neil Kennedy, chairman of Crediton Dairy, spoke to those gathered and said that it was in 2013 that he and Tim Smiddy, former Milk Link executives, led a management buy-out to establish Crediton Dairy.

He spoke about successive investment in the company since that time and about significant changes which enhanced the diary’s capabilities.

He thanked all of the staff and talked about current investment at the factory site which continues with the scoping of a new head office building and reception on site, plus investments to improve production efficiencies and support the dairy’s sustainability plan.

The party for staff was held at Crediton Rugby Club and saw the cutting of an impressive birthday cake by Mr Kennedy and Mr Smiddy, plus a rendition of “Happy Birthday” and “Congratulations” by Crediton Town Band.

There were games and a bouncy castle for children, a tombola, bumper raffle and competitions such as “Pin the Tail on the Cow”.

There was food and drink, a show cow, a children’s entertainer, rock band, face painting and much more.

Goody bags were given to all of the staff.

Nancy Featon, head of HR at Crediton Dairy, said that the raffle had raised about £500 which was to be donated to local charities.

She explained that Crediton Dairy is keen to support the local community by providing career opportunities to people in and around the local town.

She said: “We have a number of roles and different career paths that we can support. We encourage anyone to contact us to enquire about the possibility of joining our team.”

Nancy added: “Crediton Dairy would like to specifically thank Crediton Rugby Club, who not only provided a venue but were so helpful and supportive of our event, it was the perfect location for us and it is great to work together with local organisations.”