Chatsworth Travel in Chesterfield recently threw open its doors to customers old and new, handing out glasses of fizz before cutting the store’s huge birthday cake.

Gail Bateman launched the business, initially as Travel Advisors UK, in 1999 from her own home once her children had started school.

In 2003, she took the business onto the high street, setting up in Chatsworth Road just on the edge of Chesterfield town centre.

Ten years later, after watching her mum set the business up from home, Bateman’s daughter Jess joined the family business and is now operations and after sales manager.

The team of six, which also includes Amy Webster, Jayne Hardy, Joanne Hallett and Kathryn Hallam, specialise in cruise, escorted tours and tailor-made travel.

Hallett manages the agency’s popular Chatsworth Solo Travellers group, which has more than 80 members, while Webster takes responsibility for social media and speciality travel.

Hardy and Hallam, meanwhile, bring years of travel expertise and customer service to their roles.

In total, the team has more than 85 years’ experience in the business between them.

Bateman has put the success of Chatsworth Travel down to its many repeat clients and strong referrals.

“The happy team are proud of their achievements so far and look forward to embracing the next 20 years in travel,” they said marking the anniversary.