Many younger people today worry about being forced to work past the current retirement age.

Standing down - Jack Russell, 83, retires from Doe's Motors. Picture: SEANA HUGHES 40676-c

But one Witham resident has only just opted to retire - at the age of 83.

Jack Russell has finally decided to step down from his job as forecourt attendant at Doe's Motors in Colchester Road - after a working life spanning almost 70 years.

He said he had decided to retire due to his wife Joyce's ill health and his own advancing years.

Linda Bennison, cashier at the garage, said: "Jack is very popular with all the customers and is always chatting to them. He deserves to put his feet up and enjoy himself but we'll really miss him and be sad to see him go".

Mr Russell, of Douglas Grove, left school aged 14 in 1935 to take up his first job.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette