A BLACKPOOL cabbie is finally clocking off as he retires at the grand old age of 79!

George Carket - nicknamed "Posh George" - of Abbey Road, South Shore, is just two months away from his 80th birthday, making him the oldest cabbie in town!

He has been ferrying passengers about for almost 30 years, after retiring as a car salesman in 1972.

But recently the cabbie, who earned his nickname because of his smart collar and tie outfits and gentlemanly conduct, spent four weeks in hospital after a lung infection affected his heart, resulting in him having to stop work.

George, whose ambition is to fly strapped to the wings of a bi-plane, will be celebrating his retirement with colleagues from Streamline Taxis at a special party laid on for him at Blackpool Airport's Comed Club next week. George, pictured here in his cab, believes driving his taxi has helped to keep him active.

He said: "Every day has been different. I've met some wonderful and interesting people in my time driving a cab, and virtually all of them have been good people.

"Nobody bothers about my age," he said, "It's not an issue, they treat me the same as any other driver. I think spending all day mixing and talking with other drivers and the customers has kept me active, and the discipline of having to get up in the morning and go out to work has been good for me, too.

"A lot of people retire, lean over the garden gate for a few weeks and the next thing you know they've died. I didn't want that to happen to me," he explained.

Marian Gunston, a radio operator who has worked with George throughout his time at Streamline, said: "He is a gentleman from the old school, a pleasure to work with -- always polite and smartly dressed."