GOING STRONG - Charles and David Denton, of DB Shoes, Irchester, who are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the firm which was started by two young soldiers returning after the First World War

A SHOE firm started by two young soldiers after the First World War has celebrated its 90th anniversary.

D B Shoes, in Irchester Road, Rushden, was formed by identical twin brothers Jack and Bill Denton after the two former prisoners of war returned to Northamptonshire at the end of the conflict.

About 15 months after their return, the twins started their business, which was originally called Denton Bros Limited, on February 11,1920.

Now, 90 years on, the business remains in the family and is run by Jack's grandsons, Charles and David Denton, who are also identical twins.

Charles, the company's managing director, said: "It means an awful lot to us that the business is still running and remains in our family.

"Like any business, we have gone through a lot in the past 90 years and have seen major changes. About 10 years ago we went through a period of restructuring and had to close factories. To make it through that and still be here employing people 90 years after we started is very good."

The business first opened in Irchester and manufactured men's shoes and boots.

It later changed its name to Denbros Limited and moved to Rushden.

During the Second World War it devoted its production to manufacturing footwear for the war effort.

In the early 1960s, Jack's sons, Hugh and John Denton, took over the running of the expanding business as sales soared to 10,000 pairs per week, with the help of new technology and PVC injection moulding.

The firm became D B Shoes and in June 1997 was taken over by Hugh's sons, Charles and David, who decided in 2003 to specialise in wide to extreme width shoes for men and women.

Charles said: "We know that our products represent great value for money

"Our shoes are sold by independent retailers and we export to places all over the world, including Canada. Australia, America and Norway

"We currently employ about 40 people and feel very positive about the future."

David, the company's operations director, added, "We appreciate the need to retain well-loved styles for loyal customers but also aim to incorporate leading edge manufacturing developments and to add new styles each season."