A BIRDKEEPER has gone home to roost after 45 years of service.

Wilf Watson, 65, has worked as a gardener, with responsibility for the aviaries at South Park, in Darlington, since he was 20, but yesterday was his last day.

To celebrate his retirement and long service, Mr Watson was presented with shopping vouchers by the town's mayor, Councillor Isobel Hartley.

During the afternoon, he tended to the budgies, canaries, cockateils, zebra finches, ducks, geese, chickens and peacocks.

He said: "I am still giving little lectures to children asking about the birds, I do not feel any different to normal. It feels as though I will still be here tomorrow, even though I know I will not.

"I will still come down here when I am retired, just to come and have a look. It has been good, very enjoyable. That is why I have been here so long."

During his retirement, Mr Watson plans to visit places such as the open air museum at Beamish and the city of York, as well as enjoying more foreign holidays.