AN “irreplaceable” factory worker from Bromsgrove is packing it in after 49 years of working for the same family business.

Philip Burford joined Banner Foods, on Finstall Road, in 1968 when he was just 19, and has been packaging food for the firm ever since.

He clocks off for the final time on Thursday, October 19, with the date a double-celebration given it also falls on his 68th birthday.

Mr Burford said: “I worked on a poultry farm when I left school and then I came to work for Banners in 1968, so I have worked for the Banner firm for all my life.

“I have enjoyed it and will miss my colleagues.

“It is the best job I have had but it is time to go now.

“I am 68 on Thursday so I wanted to finish on my birthday. It will be a nice present!”

Keen gardener Philip will spend his retirement in his garden and allotment.

To mark his retirement, colleagues have chipped in to buy him some gardening tools, and will take him for a celebratory drink after his final shift.

Jon Banner, director of Banner Foods, said: “I have been his boss since 1995.

“He starts at 6 in the morning and finishes at 5.30 in the afternoon. He has cycled to work and has been getting here at 6 o’clock in the morning in all weathers.

“He has hardly ever had a day off.

“The family and the business owe him a great debt.

“He is irreplaceable. They do not make them like that anymore.”