AN ENGINEER is retiring after 50 years working at the same company.

Reg Waddington started work as an apprentice at Dathan Tools and Gauges aged 15.

On Friday, his 65th birthday, he downed tools and left a little over fifty years after he first started.

His colleagues described him as a hard-working man who will be missed after half a century’s dedication.

Anne Halstead, secretary of the Meltham based company based, said: “Reg is a well-liked man, would help anybody if they needed it and is a hard-worker.

“I think he is looking forward to retiring, spending time with his family and travelling.

“The one thing he said was it will be nice to wake up in the morning and do what he likes.

“He’s just a lovely man and we all wish him well for his retirement.”

Mr Waddington, of Bradley, started work at the family-owned company in 1958 after leaving school.

He was an apprentice and worked hard to become a skilled engineer.

He remained with the company through their relocation from Lockwood to Meltham in 1974.

Staff at the Mean Lane company presented Mr Waddington with a watch, holiday vouchers and a bottle of whiskey to mark his 65th birthday and retirement.

His wife Rene was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Mr Waddington has two children and several grandchildren who he is looking forward to spending more time with.