CARPET fitter who has spent 35 years working for the same store has retired.

Gordon Simpson was given a gold wrist watch and card signed by staff from Boyes, in Darlington, before being taken out for some leaving drinks by his friends.

Originally from Scarborough, Mr Simpson moved to Darlington to work in the then newly-opened Boyes store in 1970. He spent three years on the shop floor before deciding to go freelance, but continued to work mainly for Boyes.

"It has been the best 35 years of my life and I have made a lot of friends," he said. "I think I have been to every town and village you can think of round here.

"Last year, I did a job in Ullswater, in the Lake District, and I have also worked in Sunderland and York.

"You meet different people every day and you never know where you are going to be next."

Mr Simpson celebrates his 65th birthday and his 15-year wedding anniversary next week. He and second wife, Audrey, have seven children and 12 grandchildren between them and live in Haughton, Darlington.

Mr Simpson said he was looking forward to retirement. He plans to do more gardening, and enjoy watching cricket and football. The couple are planning a holiday in Malta.