A John Lewis branch that has stood for 25 years in the centre of Kingston celebrated making it to a quarter of a century.

Peter O’Ryan, the managing director in 1990 opened the department store in Wood Street on September 11, 1990.

Since then, the store has seen seven-day trading implemented, restaurants opened and even an opticians.

Andrew Richardson, 42, selling assistant in furniture, joined when he was just 17 years old.

He said: “When I applied 25 years ago I’d already been back to school for a year waiting for John Lewis to open; I always wanted to work in retail.

“I had an interview that lasted only 15 minutes, and they offered me a job in the sports department straight away.

“I am as happy today working for John Lewis as I was 25 years ago.”

He added the store’s partner scheme meant there was a sense of democracy, with management being held to account as opposed to shareholders.

Last weekend the department store celebrated its anniversary with 25 lucky customer giveaways every hour and a programme of riverside activities including face painting and live music.

Since November 2011 the branch has supported 45 charities and 100 schools donating more than £45,000 for causes relevant to the borough.

Dan Cooke, head of the Kingston branch, said: “John Lewis Kingston has expanded and moved on with the times, but it’s been the camaraderie between staff members and their hard work that has made it the success that it now is.

“Customer service is a priority and we just don’t talk about it, we make it happen.

“We would like to thank all our loyal customers for shopping with us over the last 25 years.”