A South Shields family is celebrating 70 years of supplying saveloys and pies across the North East.
Dicksons was founded by Michael Irwin and his wife Helen Dickson in 1953 as a shop on the town's Prince Edward Road that sold savoury deli treats.
Over the next seven decades, Dicksons would go on to open more than 30 stores across Tyne and Wear and employ more than 300 staff. Supermarket giants Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco also stock the brand's famous products.
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Today the business is led by the couple's son Michael Dickson, who is chairman. He explained how he and his late sister Christine had taken over the running of the company as teenagers, following their father’s death.
Michael said: “It’s crazy to think we were responsible for three shops and a workforce at that age while the rest of our friends were finishing their studies and still really growing up. We were stuck with all these responsibilities and broadly clueless, or at least I was, Christine, being a little older.
“We did in time, become a good team and a force to be reckoned with, so when Christine passed away 10 years ago it had a profound impact.
"I don’t think our parents would have thought the company would still be around in the 21st Century or let alone turn out as successful as it has, so I’d like to think they’d be quietly impressed by what we achieved together."
To mark the landmark anniversary, Dicksons is offering customers, who also turn 70 on June 18, the chance to win £70 worth of its tasty goodies. They will also be creating new "mystery flavour pastry products" and offering some of their iconic items, such as the saveloy, for just 70p.
Stores will all be decked out in bunting, and on days leading up to the anniversary, the directors will be serving customers themselves at the original shop in Harton Nook.
Michael said: "It’s a brilliant achievement to still be going strong 70 years later and investing for the future in our great people products and premises."
He added: "Ater so long serving this area we’ve become a part of many local communities and a small part of local history. None of which could of course happen without the dedication and quality of our staff in whom we’re so proud and the loyalty of our customers."
To take part in the 70th birthday competition, send details via any of Dicksons' social media accounts before June 18, proof of birthdate will be required. Alternatively, email enquiries@midickson.co.uk
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