FOR most people retirement is the chance to take a well earned rest after a lifetime of hard work.

But Alf Simpson never stopped working, and this week he celebrated 70 years in the same job — without ever taking a day off sick.

Mr Simpson, of Black Bourton Road, Carterton, started working at what is now the Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford, in the 1930s.

And the energetic 86-year-old knew the answer to why he has stayed working at the park for so long.

He said: “The staff here, really. I work with a great bunch of chaps and we always have a good laugh.

“It’s changed quite a bit since I started all those years ago — I never imagined I would still be here after all this time.

“Then it was the Bradwell Grove Estate owned by Colonel Heyworth-Savage.

“I earned 12 shillings and sixpence (621/2p) per week, and every week I would give my mum 10 shillings and keep the rest to myself to go out with.”

Mr Simpson, who is now a gardener at the park, was one of a number of his family to work on the estate.

When he started, his father, uncle and older brother all had jobs on the estate.

He said: “There were quite a few of us on the estate back then — I bet none of them would have thought I would still be here at 86.

“I remember my jobs back then. When I was old enough I used to drive the lorry and tractors on the farm.

“I also went around the country with the horses taking them to stud and taking the cattle to market. I got to travel around quite a bit.”

Despite having a 70-year career surrounded by animals, Mr Simpson said he had never had any problems.

“I love all animals really so they haven’t been any bother. I think the little monkeys are the best.”

Although Mr Simpson retired in 1988, he was asked to stay on by the park, where he now works every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon to carry out his duties.

“It’s been a pleasure working here,” he said.

“I shall still come as long as they will have me. Who knows when I will stop?”

Reggie Heyworth, director of Cotswold Wildlife Park, said: “I can’t believe there’s anyone else who can say that they have been working for the same family business for seventy years.

“It really is an amazing achievement and to this day, colleagues who are barely half Alf’s age tell me that they cannot keep up with him.”