A 69-YEAR-old milkman who has served Blackburn's Asian community for 50 years has creamed the opposition - by learning Gujarati.

John James Mather, commonly known as ‘Jimmy’, became a firm favourite with Asian families because he would go out of his way to supply the products they wanted.

During that time he has picked up a thing or two about Asian culture including the language.

His command of Gujarati has to be heard to be believed and it has helped build a lasting bond with many people.

Jimmy said: “When I began in 1960 there used to be handful of Asian families in the region.

“I can still remember the first few people I used to serve.

"They were good, decent folk but obviously their English wasn't good.

"So, I picked it up myself and it made things a whole lot easier.

“Soon enough it became second nature. I would say I learnt from the best: the first wave of immigrants coming to the UK.

“All I did was listen carefully to what they said and then make a mental note in my head.

"Next time I just repeated the words.

“I would say the first few families I served lived in Balaclava Street and Bold Street in Blackburn.”

Jimmy, whose family owned a farm in Knuzden, began working as a milkman in 1960 and for 15 years would deliver milk in a horse and cart.

He said: “When it got cold the only way to warm up your hands was on the saddle!”

“Back then things like ghee, butter and chapatti flour were really hard to get hold of.

“I have to point out I stopped delivering live chickens in 1972!

“Eid and special occasions were wonderful but full of surprises.

"Once, I turned up to one blokes the day before Eid and he said he wanted 24 crates of milk!

“Over the years I have learnt to love the festivals and I must have been invited to dozens of weddings every year.”

Despite his age Jimmy said he had no plans of retiring.

"They want me to quit now but I want to carry on because I love my job and the people I serve,” he said.