Gerald Bassett, 65, has worked as a driver at the building suppliers, of High Street, Walsham-le-Willows.

Mr Bassett of West View Gardens, Gislingham, said: "I am quite proud to have been here so long. I always thought I would be retired by the time I was 60."

Having worked for the firm since he was 18, initially earning £9 a week, Mr Bassett, known as Gerry to his friends, has only had three weeks' sickness in his time with the company.

In the 47 years he has worked at the firm, he has seen it grow from a small office with three staff and four lorries to a booming operation, employing nearly 100 people.

"They are a good, genuine company with good bosses and you can't ask for more than that," he said.

Having travelled the country delivering agricultural and building products, Mr Bassett said he planned to spend his spare time sightseeing in the Lake District and Scotland.

"I am quite looking forward to my retirement. It will be quite nice to get a bit of time to myself," he said.

Friends and workers at Clarkes waved goodbye to Mr Bassett on Friday, with a cake and a gift of a bond saw to help him to indulge his hobby of woodcraft.

Harvey Clarke, managing director, said: "Gerry is a lovely employee. It is hard to find people with the same spirit as his generation.
"We are going to miss him very much."