A grandfather has retired after 45 years of working with the same company.

Bill Kirby, 66, a foundry manager at the FSE Group Ltd based at the Springwood Industrial Estate in Braintree, officially retired last Wednesday.

Mr Kirby joined the company in 1969, then based in Waltham Cross and named the Enfield Foundry Company, as a fettler and trainee moulder.

He remained with the company as Foundry Manager when it merged with Finch Seaman in 2001 and moved to Braintree as the FSE Group Ltd.

The grandfather-of-three, of Warwick Drive, Cheshunt, said: “It’s a difficult decision to take having been there for so long. But it’s time to start enjoying my life and taking care of myself.

“I’ve got plans for the future and will work for Isabelle Hospice charity shop in Cheshunt one day a week. I want to do more gardening and spend more time with my grandchildren.”

Mr Kirby was presented with a signed wheelbarrow, a caricature and other gifts at a presentation attended by his colleagues both past and present.