Few businesses have been founded on the basis of success in a headstand competition. But St Neots and Cambridge accountants Whitmarsh Sterland was, and is now celebrating 50 years in business. Founder John Sterland, pictured above, recalled the day garage

Few businesses have been founded on the basis of success in a headstand competition. But St Neots and Cambridge accountants Whitmarsh Sterland was, and is now celebrating 50 years in business.

Founder John Sterland, pictured above, recalled the day garage group owner Ian Mantle had promised him his business if he won. He did, and the Mantle Group remains one of the company's cherished clients.

The company has trained more than 200 accountants, helped thousands of businesses to grow and enjoyed the occasional victory over the Inland Revenue, said partner, David Martin.