THERE was a whole lot of satisfaction the night fork lift truck company HFT Forklifts celebrated its 30th birthday, with 250 of the family-run firm’s most valued customers, suppliers and staff dancing the night away to a Rolling Stones tribute band.

HFT, which is based on Hereford's Rotherwas Industrial Estate, welcomed the Counterfeit Stones to its Rock On convert at Lyde Arundel on the outskirts of the cathedral city.

Chairman Peter Crawford explained: "When HFT began 30 years ago, we recognised that, as a business, we could only ever be as successful as our customers’ operations, so our key aim has been to provide our customers with the very best materials handling equipment solution, coupled with a truly personal service.

“This guiding principle – working in close association with our customers and suppliers – has enabled our businesses to go from strength to strength. So it was totally fitting for them to mark this important milestone with us.”

For just over two hours, the audience partied to a string of classic Stones tracks before enjoying a gourmet supper and themed cocktails on what was a memorable night for the firm, which has also organised an evening for horse racing enthusiasts, a competitive golf day and a forklift safety challenge.