B&Q has announced that its oldest staff member Syd Prior is retiring at the age of 97.
Mr Prior, who celebrated his birthday today, began his career with B&Q at the sprightly age of 76 at the Wimbledon store.

He was honoured with the task of opening the new store at New Malden in 2009, and said at the time: "Working at B&Q gives me the chance to put my knowledge and experience to good use, advising customers on where they can find exactly what they are looking for in the store. Working with people of all ages gives youngsters the chance to learn a little from an old timer like myself, and they help to keep me young at heart!"

Mr Prior has worked at B&Q for almost 21 years, and before that had a career as an office assistant for more than 40 years, serving in the army during the Second World War and working as part of a family grocer business.

Kingfisher UK and Ireland ceo Euan Sutherland said: "I had the honour and privilege of meeting Syd regularly in our New Malden store where he was a greeter. Being a part of his 95th birthday celebrations a couple of years ago in store has been one of the key highlights of my career so far at B&Q and I can't believe he's 97 this week.

"Everyone at B&Q is sorry to hear that Syd is finally hanging up his B&Q apron but he certainly deserves a very well-earned rest and second retirement. We'd all like to wish him a very happy 97th birthday and applaud him for the massive contribution he has made to B&Q."