A WORLE-based insurance company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Birnbeck Finance Limited was incorporated on February 2, 1974, by David and Adrienne Parrott and started trading in the Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare. David is the son of former Weston mayor Gilbert Parrott.

The company started offering a wide range of financial services, ranging from life assurances, pensions, mortgages  and investments and  as the years went by, general insurance was added to the services provided.

After qualifying as an independent financial adviser, David and Adrienne's son, Jeremy, joined the firm in the mid 1990s and soon became managing director.

In 1996, Simon Wotton was appointed as manager of general insurance, becoming a director of the company in 1998.

In August 2000, the company moved premises to their current site next to the war memorial on Worle High Street where the business continued to flourish.

Soon after, in 2005, Simon and Geraldine Wotton purchased the insurance business from Jeremy, who continued with the life assurance and investment business, working from home.

The original name now became Birnbeck Finance Ltd trading as Birnbeck Insurance Services to reflect the change. As insurance brokers, the business now deals in all aspects of motor, house, travel and commercial and currently has 10 members of staff.

The company's website explains its work further: "Birnbeck Insurance Services, located in Worle, Weston-super-Mare, is an independent Insurance Broker offering a wide range of general insurance policies utilising the majority of the UK market.

"Established in 1974, our team have a wealth of insurance knowledge, and over 80 years of experience in the industry between them.

"Conveniently located in Worle High Street, we can offer immediate cover for most types of contract and issue policy documentation, at the time of sale, in our office.

"Our reputation has been built on the service we offer to our clients, by offering advice on the style of policy required and help when is most needed if a claim should occur."

Stuart Rose became managing director after Simon retired in 2016 and appointed Ben Fox as co-director last year. Simon still retains his position as chairman and part owner.