HARD-working grandfather Alan Entwistle has retired — after 52 years at the same firm.

The 67-year-old was a fresh faced apprentice when he started work at the Bolton Gate company in Waterloo Street back in 1963.

Mr Entwistle worked his way up through the firm — starting out making steel gates and shutters before moving to supervisor and finishing off as an assistant quality manager.

He followed in his father Jack Entwistle’s footsteps who also worked at the company for a number of years before the Second World War.

But while he enjoyed his time at the company, Mr Entwistle, who lives with his wife Joan in Garstang Avenue, Breightmet, revealed it could have been a very different story.

He said: "I was always into DIY when I was a youngster and when I finished school I had two places I planned to go to find work — Bolton Gate and Warburtons.

"I remember on the day I went out it was raining and arrived at Bolton Gate and decided I didn't want to walk the extra way to the bakers. So it might have been different if it was sunny, but I'm really pleased I ended up where I did."

Grandfather-of-two Mr Entwistle started working after leaving Castle Hill School in Tonge Moor aged 15.

He said: "I started my apprenticeship after leaving school. Back then that was often the way you got work — you could just knock on the door and ask for a job.

"I started out in the workshop building steel gates, doors, shutters and air craft hangers — anything with an opening or hinge, we made it."

Handyman Mr Entwistle is beginning his retirement with a DIY job, but is also looking forward to going on holiday with his wife.

He said: "We already have a holiday booked for Cyprus in September but my main task now is to start the new bathroom so I will be keeping busy.

"I will miss working at the company because I was there for a big part of my life. I enjoyed every job I did so I feel very lucky and I will definitely miss the people I worked with."

Accounts supervisor Judith Smith, who worked with Mr Entwistle for 23 years, said: "Alan is genuinely one of the nicest guys you will ever wish to meet. He's very quiet and keeps himself to himself but he is always willing to help anyone out.

"Fifty two years is an unbelievable amount of time to be in one job and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the company."