A pensioner has been praised by the government for supporting her family business at the age of 96.

Irene Astbury, who founded Macclesfield's Pet Food Supplies in 1981, is still helping out at the shop part-time.

Department for Work and Pensions Minister Guy Opperman MP has praised the 'extraordinary work rate' of Mrs Astbury following a recent visit.

It was first reported by Nub News in September that the Macclesfield 96-year-old is thought to be Britain's oldest retail worker.

Irene at work. (Image - DWP)

This has now been confirmed following a celebratory visit from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Pet Food Supplies was established in March 1981 by Irene and her late husband Les.

Having previously been a laundrette, the couple converted the store into a pet shop and opened for business soon after juggling full time work in the store, while also working as a homemaker in the morning and evenings for her family.

At 96 years of age, Irene has worked at Pet Food Supplies for more than 40 years.

Pet Food Supplies is located at 70 Moss Ln, Macclesfield SK11 7TT. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Irene Astbury told the Minister of Employment Guy Opperman that she feels by continuing to work, it keeps her active and engaged with people.

Irene also enjoys spending time at the store with her other family members that work there.

The DWP have pledged to support older workers by investing an extra £22million in employment support for workers over 50, and to support older workers to remain in and succeed in work.

Aside his work in the Department for Work and Pensions, Mr Opperman is the Conservative MP for Hexham.

When she's not working at the shop, Irene spends her time at her home in Sandbach. (Image - DWP)

As she approaches her 97th birthday, Irene continues to work three shifts a week, totalling 25 hours.

Irene told the minister that she has no plans to retire and enjoys getting out to work which keeps her active and avoids the boredom she might otherwise feel.

The Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, said: "It was fantastic to speak to Irene who is inspiring younger generations of the benefits working can bring you, as well as an employer who values the benefits of an age inclusive workforce.

"Older workers are a huge asset to our economy and labour market. I was amazed to see Irene's continued enthusiasm which shows that age is no barrier to pursuing work and can bring benefits far beyond the financial element.

Mr Opperman (57) was first elected at the 2010 election, the same election which Macclesfield MP David Rutley was first elected. (Image - DWP)

"I would encourage anyone who is over 50 to use our Mid Life MOT to take stock of their health and finances, while older claimants should engage with our Jobcentres to tap into what the labour market offers."

"To support older workers, the government is investing an extra £22million in employment support for over 50s – expanding the Jobcentre Mid-Life MOT service which provides older workers with the opportunity to take stock of their current circumstances and to actively plan for their futures as well as providing personalised support through DWP's network of 50PLUS Champions who are working collaboratively with work coaches, employers and stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of supporting older job seekers on top of individually tailored one-to-one support delivered by DWP Work Coaches.

"The Department for Work and Pension is also working with the government's Business Champion for 50+ Workers, Andy Briggs, to extensively engage with businesses to highlight the clear business advantages of employing older workers.

The shop is now ran by Irene's granddaughter Gayle, who recently celebrated the 15-year milestone in charge of the Moss estate company.

Guy chats with Gayle. (Image - DWP)

Macclesfield: To watch a video of the special governmental visit, please click here.

See Also: Farmfoods advert suggests it is opening in Macclesfield

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