AN Okehampton man who last month celebrated 50 years industry service enjoyed a special retirement presentation last Friday, in recognition of his impressive record.

Keith Trott, the trade counter supervisor at Jewson in Okehampton, started work as an apprentice for FJ Reeves, a major local timber merchant, when he was 16, for the princely sum of £2 14s 6d a week — a good sum for a youngster at the time.

Keith said: 'I moved over to the timber side of FJ Reeves in 1974, working as a stock controller and in sales. I became supervisor of the kitchen showroom and trade counter and eventually showroom manager. FJ Reeves became Graham Greeves in 1980 and then, in 2000, we became Jewson.'

Keith said he had enjoyed a very rewarding career, particularly enjoying the opportunity to meet people and help them.

And in a career spanning 50 years, he has seen a lot of changes.

'The biggest has been the introduction of computers — when I was in sales at FJ /reeves there were none so we used a card-filing system.

'The industry is now much more competitive and the customer expects discounts.

'More people are doing DIY jobs themselves and there are so many more products on the market — it's a different world.'

Keith, who has been happily married to wife June for 40 years, has also had some very varied experiences, including work at the Ideal Home Exhibition in Earls Court and dealing with the aftermath of a major fire in 1991.

'I've dealt with a few famous customers too, including Alan Titchmarsh and the Groundforce team, supplying goods for a project they were filming locally, and Noel Edmonds used to be a regular when he lived nearby.'

Keith may be retiring from full time work at Jewson, but he has no intention of putting his feet up in future.

'I intend to continue working on a part-time basis,' he said.

'I love gardening, DIY, letter boxing and following football and cricket, so I'll still be fairly busy!'

Jewson branch manager Keith Dodson said: 'This is something special — an amazing 50 years service with the same company great company.

'It shows superb dedication and loyalty from Keith.

'For me it is a real pleasure working with Keith, a gentlemen and an ambassador for the company.

'Keith is well liked by staff and customers who benefit from his excellent customer service, wealth of knowledge and experience.

'It is an honour to be associated with Keith and to celebrate his achievement.'