THE man 'from the Pearl' has proved a real diamond to clients he has become familiar with in more than three decades working his home patch.

Marshall Deveaux has called it a day 33-years after he began selling Pearl Insurance policies to the people of Chester-le-Street.

In that time he estimates he's visited homes in virtually every street in the town in the course of his work as an insurance advisor.

Marshall, who lives in Chester-le-Street, has taken the opportunity of early retirement offered by the company, now known as AMP Pearl.

But having been on long-term sick recently due to a lingering back complaint, he regrets not having had the chance to say goodbye to his customers.

"The company has been very fair to me, but I just wish I could have seen my clients one last time just to explain I'm leaving and to thank them for their business.

"I've probably been in more homes in Chester-le-Street than anyone and I have got to know many people in the town quite well."

Marshall, an engineering apprentice on leaving school, was only introduced to the insurance world through involvement in a pub darts team.

A team-mate for the old Top House side, in nearby Craghead, told him of a job going with the Pearl as they travelled to an away fixture in 1969.

"I inquired and was offered the job. I took it and haven't looked back since."

Still only 54, Marshall plans to find some sort of work, which will not affect his back.

Providing he keeps up six-monthly visits to a chiropractor, he hopes to be able to pursue his passion for golf, at the South Moor course where he has played for 29 years.

Marshall is married to his wife of 34 years, Christine. They have two grown-up children, son Jason and daughter Lisa, and a six-year-old grandson, Kyle.