AN American who has been visiting friends in Bromsgrove every year for the past four decades has made his final trip to the town.

Gerry Dixon first visited Bromsgrove in 1970 for work, as he was laying gas pipes.

He made good friends during the visit and loved it so much he has been making annual visits ever since, usually staying for six months.

As the trip from Oklahoma to Bromsgrove takes 27 hours, and Gerry is nearing his 80th birthday, he decided to make this year's trip his last.

To mark the occasion his friends organised a get together at the Bewell Head Social Club before his flight earlier this month.

Gerry was presented with a plaque from friend Edward Murray, a councillor in Sidemoor, to recognise the yearly visits.

Mr Murray said: "Gerry comes across from Oklahoma every year.

"He calls Bromsgrove his home.

"He always stays with friends, who he drinks with at the club, so everyone decided to do something for his last ever visit."