AN ISLE of Wight building society is celebrating 35 years of serving the community.

Ward House Mortgages and Life, on Union Street, which is also the Ryde Agency of Yorkshire Building Society, is managed by senior partner Michael Ward.

It allows customers to open and manage savings through its partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, as well as providing mortgage and life insurance advice through Ward House directly.

In 1988, the company opened on Cross Street, and moved to its current premises on Union Street 20 years ago.

The business became an agent for Yorkshire Building Society in 2010 and has offered access to its savings services for the last 13 years.

Since 1988, the community has seen many changes.

Ryde has gone from having ten building societies and banks on its high streets, to just two building societies and one bank.

Michael Ward, proprietor of Ward House, said: “It has been a privilege to serve the community of Ryde for the last 35 years.

“We’re passionate about providing easy access to financial advice and services for our community and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we have undertaken to benefit local causes and charities since we opened our doors in 1988.”