ALVECHURCH pensioner Bob Sawyer has carried out just about every job at his local church - except turning on the cooker.

The 78-year-old, who initially lived in Rubery, has taken on a number of roles at the village's Beacon Church Centre since first joining Sunday School in 1941.

Community-spirited Bob has also held roles in the Church Choir and the Rubery Drama Group, but is best known to regulars as the church deacon.

He marked his 50th anniversary in the role on Sunday, April 23, with a memorial certificate and meal for him and his wife Angela to enjoy.

Associate minister Terry Thompson said: “We would just like to say thank you for so many years of faithful service.

“The one thing Bob has not done in his 50 years is turn on the cooker – he has been indispensable for just about everything else!”

Bob added: “The certificate was a really big surprise. All my family were as well so it was quite a shock.”