FROM flipping burgers to becoming franchise owner of four restaurants, Redditch businessman Robert Holdcroft is celebrating his silver anniversary with the golden arches.

Mr Holdcroft, 47, began his career at McDonalds in Birmingham in 1981, working on the restaurant floor.

He climbed the management ladder quickly, becoming manager of the Redditch town centre restaurant in 1983, then buying and relocating the business.

He now owns the franchise to all three Redditch McDonalds and one in Stratford-upon-Avon.

"When I first started working for McDonalds I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined owning four restaurants 25 years later," he said.

Many team members have progressed to senior roles under Mr Holdcroft's management, including Redditch Drive-Thru manager Stephen Price, who has worked for the company for 23 years.

Mr Holdcroft lives just outside Redditch with his wife Tracey.

Their three children, Jessica, 22, Victoria, 20, and Thomas, 18, have all worked at one of his restaurants.