AN INSURANCE company whose founder still works there is marking its 50th year of trading in Penarth.

Motts Insurance, on Arcot Street, is one of the longest established businesses in the town.

It was set up by 83-yeard-old Ron Mott on August 18, 1966, in a small upstairs office with just a typewriter.

But since then the business has gone on to "bigger and better" things.

Ron Mott recalled the early days of the company's existence with no staff in an office above an opticians.

He remembers hiring one part time member of staff and then the move to Times House where they are currently based.

He said: "In the beginning, premiums on a car cost about £8 which was a lot of money in those days.

"Our first ever client still uses us as do others from the early days alongside their children and grandchildren."

One of the major changes he has seen is the technological advancement towards computers.

He added: "Back then you used pen and paper and work things out but now computers do it for us."

He said that he is proud to see his son take the reigns but that he still works four days a week himself.

He added: "We are part of the fabric of Penarth."

The founder's son and company director Ben Mott said: "We now have eight members of staff and are a successful insurance company.

"My father is still working here four days a week at the age of 83."

Ben Mott was brought up and educated in Penarth.

"Part of the reason we are successful is because we have great staff who are dedicated and hard working staff," he added.

"We have been supporting by the local community especially local businesses.

"We thank them and the general public for their support over the years and we feel we have become a fixture of the town."