DUDLEY Zoo's head gardener has clocked up a blooming impressive 35 years of service.

Carl Stevens joined the zoo straight from college, aged 17.

He started as a groundsman and has spent decades tending to the zoo and castle grounds.

Over the years, the 52-year-old worked his way up through the ranks and eventually landed the top job in 1994.

To mark today's milestone and thank him for his dedication, Carl was presented with gift vouchers by zoo director Derek Grove.

Carl – who heads a team of six gardeners – lives on site in one of the keepers’ cottages with his wife Pat, who is the head of upper primates.

He said: “There aren’t many people who can say they’re based in the grounds of an 11th century castle surrounded by endangered animals from around the world and love what they do!”

Derek added: “Congratulations to Carl on reaching this significant anniversary.

"He is a valued and committed member of our team and does a grand job of looking after our grounds.”