Pictured above:  (l-r) Colin Dalton, Kevin Preece and Chris Stonier, all partners with chartered accountants, Rice and Co, outside their new premises at Rumer Hill business park

A 50-year-old firm of chartered accountants has moved offices after half a century based in the same building in Cannock.

Rice and Co has relocated from its former home in Mill Street, to newer, more modern offices a short distance away at the Rumer Hill business park.

The company started out 50 years ago as a one man business, and has now grown to include a second office in Uttoxeter, with more than 20 staff, and five partners -Chris Stonier, Kevin Preece, Colin Dalton, Steve Dale and  Matthew Gibbs.

Mr Stonier, a partner at the firm for more than 30 years, said the move has been necessary to cope with the company's growth, and the many technological advancements in recent years, which has meant they just  outgrew their old space.

"Rice and Co's name has been associated with Bank House for 50 years, since Arthur Rice set up in business in an office above the Westminster bank, but we want to reassure people we have not gone away, just moved a short distance, and the only thing that is changing is our location," he said.

"When the bank eventually moved out, we took over the building, but obviously, we didn't have the computers or modern office equipment we do now, or the number of employees.

"We want to thank our existing clients for bearing with us through the move, which all went very smoothly, and without them really even noticing.

"It is only natural that there will be some sadness - it is the end of an era. But it is also the start of a new and exciting one for the company.

"We are very much looking forward to that, and to welcoming all of our clients to our new offices, which are large and open-plan, and much more suitable for a growing business like ours in the 21st century," added Mr Stonier.