A Shropshire business with an elderly workforce has been praised for the way it is fighting against prejudices which say they should be pensioned off.

Mike O’Brien, Minister for Older People, praised Heritage Glass in Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, for the age-inclusive work ethic they have. The company was founded by David Randall, 69, and the oldest employee is 73.

Between the two of them they have more than 100 years experience in the trade.

Mr Randall runs the company with his son, Tony, who at 43 is one of the younger employees.

Mr O’Brien said: “Heritage Glass shows that it is the case that older people can provide value for money and invaluable experience.

“I think it is important that older people should be given the choice to keep working once they reach retirement age,” he said.

Mr O’Brien had earlier answered questions from senior citizens from around the country who had travelled to the town for a two-day conference at the Shirehall. He told them about plans to help the people who were most in need, and encouraged them to make their opinions known.

The minister visited Heritage Glass yesterday to talk to Mr Randall about his mature salesforce and to make a presentation to 68-year-old brand manager Tony Ritchie.

Mr Ritchie will be retiring next week after 10 years with Heritage.

Mr Ritchie said he had enjoyed working for the company but that he had no intention of sitting back and relaxing.

“I couldn’t be a couch potato,” he said. “My partner Brenda and I have got a lot of things planned – holidays, walking and a lot of other things to keep us busy.”

Before he leaves, Mr Ritchie is training a “YTS” employee to replace him. The new employee is a mere youngster at 59.

Mr O’Brien backed working as a good way of staying physically and mentally fit.

“If you are sat in front of the television all day you are not going to be moving, which can lead to all sorts of medical problems,” he said.

“And loneliness is a big problem among older people. We want to encourage anything that creates a social opportunity.”

Last year there were more pensioners in Britain than children, and the minister said this trend looks to continue. “At the moment there are 10,000 people aged over 100 in Britain. By 2050 there will be a quarter of a million over 100 years old,” he said.

“That means that the then-aging King William V, who will then be in his 60s, will be sending out 300 telegrams a day.”

By Pam Griffin