A FAMILY opticians in Cirencester, with offices all across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Haine & Smith, which has a branch in Cirencester's Cricklade Street, marked the milestone earlier this week by inviting customers along to their shop to enjoy cake, bubbly and goody bags.

With a branch in Tetbury, and nearly 20 others across Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, Haine & Smith regard themselves as a local, family business.

Lucy Chapman, who has worked at the Cirencester office for around 10 years, said it was really exciting to be celebrating 40 years.

"It's nice that there is so much competition out there and we're still here, having our party today," she said. "It's great to be part of something that's family."

40 years ago founders Sue Haine and Barry Smith moved from careers with other optical firms to form a new partnership.

"We both recognised there was an opportunity locally for an optician that would consistently provide high standards of care and personal service, so in 1975 we decided to take the plunge and open our first practices," said Barry.

Haine & Smith’s dedication to giving their patients the best service has led to a number of awards, most recently a Wiltshire Business of the Year Award for Customer and Staff Care.

Sue and Barry credit the partnership’s success to staying true to their original philosophy of being big enough to stay competitive, without losing the personal touch and independent values of a smaller family firm.

“Our philosophy has remained the same over 40 years, whether we are running two practices or 19 and I believe this is the reason we enjoy such loyalty from patients and staff," said Sue.

Sue and Barry also feel strongly about giving back to the local community and in 1995 formed the Haine & Smith Charitable Trust. To date, Haine & Smith have made over 600 donations to a variety of local causes including charities, schools, youth groups, homes for the elderly and hospitals.

To mark their milestone anniversary, Haine & Smith staff will be getting together for an evening of celebration at Bowood Hotel on July 25.