LEWIS Osterfield has just been headhunted for a new job... at the age of 87.

And he says he has absolutely no plans to retire.

Lewis has just joined a Calderdale oil firm after a lifetime working in the industry.

He lived in Netherton for many years with his wife, Brenda, before she died 13 years ago. He now lives in Elland.

Lewis served in the RAF during the Second World War with 47 squadron.

This squadron flew Mosquito fighter bombers in India, Burma, Malaya and Indonesia.

After the war Lewis worked in agriculture for eight years before joining Gordon Sudworth in 1954, a company that was a distributor for Shell and BP from its base in Longley for 30 years and he has worked for other oil companies since then.

He readily admits his work ethos is ruled by traditional values.

“I believe in honesty, reliability and integrity,’’ he said.

“Customers are my life and if I say I’ll do something they know it will be done.

“Just give me the tools and I’ll do the job.

“I’ve enjoyed working with all my customers. There are so many good people out there who have helped to keep me going.’’

Lewis has two daughters, Cathrine who lives in Keswick in the Lake District and Helen, who lives in Shropshire.

Lewis’ two grandsons, 28-year-old Adam and 25-year-old David, both play football for Keswick Town.

Lewis was headhunted by fuel oil distribution company Thornber Energy to become part of its sales and customer service team.

He was a valued member of the company’s original sales team in the 1980s, when it was known as Townson Thornber.

Lewis said: “I’ve helped build up many an oil distribution business over the years and therefore have a huge amount of experience within this industry.

“Despite this though I’ve been told by a couple of companies over the last few years that I’m too old and they don’t need me any more.

“I don’t believe this for a minute. I’m not ready to retire and I know I’m good at my job.

“When I got a call from Ralph Thornber saying he wanted me to join the team at Thornber Energy it proved to me that other people believe in my skills and experience too.”

Ralph’s wife, June, who also hails from Huddersfield, added: “Having worked with Lewis before we have seen first hand how skilled he is and how he genuinely wants to provide the best service possible.”

Thornber Energy is based in Hebden Bridge and provides oil for homeowners, farmers and commercial enterprises from this autumn across West Yorkshire.