A HARD-working grandfather has retired after almost half a century's dedication to a South Lakeland paper company.

Keith Walker, of Kendal, is looking forward to motorcycling and holidaying in his retirement after serving 45 years at Burneside's James Cropper as a maintenance engineer.

The 'proud' mechanic joined the company at the tender age of 19 and stuck it out with what he believes is a 'very good firm'.

"I've had a lot of good times, highs and lows but one of the highlights has been the people and the friends you make," said the 64-year-old. "Croppers is very important to Kendal industry and there aren't as many places as big, and taking on apprentices.

"I'm proud to have been a part of it."

Mr Walker was first employed by James Cropper in 1969 as a wood worker, making pallets and plugs for paper reels, a week after being laid off as an apprentice at Russell Brothers.

From there the grandfather-of-five moved into the engineering department where in 1978 he became a machinist at the end of an adult apprenticeship.

"We're the ones who keep the machines running and keep the mill going," he said.

Talking about difference between then and now at James Cropper, Mr Walker added: "It has seen a very big change since I started, especially with health and safety," he added. "The amount of paper produced has increased 10 fold."

The dad-of-two was also a union representative for the engineering department at the mill for 20 years.

"I did a lot of sorting out problems, wage negotiation and going to meetings," he said. "After that time you know a lot about the industry and the right people to talk to."

David Nicholson, head of human resources at James Cropper, wished Mr Walker a 'long and very happy retirement' after a 'fantastic contribution' to the company.

He added: "Keith is one of a dozen or so employees who have clocked up more than 40 years’ service with James Cropper plc.

"We have a further 40-plus employees who have completed more than 30 years at the mill, and this reflects the dedication and commitment of our workforce."

Having just moved house with his wife Yvonne, Mr Walker has a 'couple of holidays' in the pipeline and hopes to dedicate time to his love of motorcycling and photography following his retirement at Easter.