A HARDWORKING great-grandfather of 18 is set to retire after nearly seven decades working for the same company.

Trevor Marsh will work his final day as technical director at Cotmor Tools and Presswork in Brierley Hill today (Thursday, December 12) after 67 years working for the firm.

The 84-year-old, who lives in Wall Heath, began working at the company in 1952 as a teenager and has worked his way up over the years to become technical director.

He briefly retired 20 years ago but was invited back to the company, which specialised in metal pressing, and has stayed there ever since.

He said: "I have really enjoyed by time at Cotmoor, I love to do design work and I have been able to do that."

Trevor was initially going to retire 20 years ago, but a brief extension to his working life ended up stretching to two decades.

He explained "The boss asked me if I could manage another six months, so I did, and six months turned into 20 years."

His proud son Nigel Marsh, who also works at the company as a quality manager and lives next door to Trevor, paid tribute to his father's commitment and hard work for the company.

He said: "I would say his experience of manufacturing has far surpassed what I can do. He is very experiences and very loyal."

Trevor, who was manager of one of the firm's former sites in Cromwell Street in Dudley, is a father of two, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of 18.

He plans to spend his retirement spending time with his family and to rekindle his love for making artwork.

A spokesperson from the company said: "Cotmor Tool wishes to thank Trevor for giving such loyal service for so many years and sincerely hope he enjoys his well deserved rest."