The firm has gone from strength to strength since Denzil Hyde-Barker first began selling travel from his front room in Ravenshead in 1948.
It is now one of the oldest travel agents in the country and continues to be a popular choice for many holidaymakers –– despite the growth of online holidays in recent years.

And as Hyde-Barker maps out its diamond anniversary celebrations for the coming months, sales and marketing director Robert Turner –– who has worked for the firm for 28 years –– said he thought the business had prospered because of its independence and focus on customer service.

"The agency is one of the oldest in the UK and was set up after the Second World War to give the ordinary man the chance to travel," he said.

"During the 60 years, Hyde-Barker Travel has been influential in the UK travel sector, having been involved in the steering committee that established the industry's key organisation ABTA and becoming a founder member of one of leading travel agency consortia, Worldchoice.

"We place great value on customer service and while the travel industry has certainly moved on at a great pace, this remains at the heart of our business."

After its early beginnings in Denzil Hyde-Barker's front room, the firm opened its first shop under the name Holiday Travel on Belvedere Street in Mansfield town centre.

It then took the name Hyde-Barker Travel when Denzil''s son Michael joined the company in 1960.

Today, Hyde Barker Travel Worldchoice has its headquarters on Albert Street in Mansfield and offices in New Ollerton, Southwell and Newark. It is run by Denzil's grandson Philip Hyde-Barker, who is now operations director.

And to celebrate the company's landmark anniversary, Hyde-Barker is promoting a Diamond Jubilee Tour of South Africa and will also be offering a number of 60th-themed initiatives –– such as £60 off selected bookings throughout the year.