A HIGHLY valued employee of Copeland Council will retire this week after almost 45 years’ service.

Ian Pearce, 63, has spent more than four decades nurturing the borough as part of the council’s parks and open spaces team.

Mr Pearce joined Copeland Council in 1978, starting at Beck Green nurseries, in Egremont, and moving on to maintaining Egremont Castle for 10 years.

In recognition of the standard of Mr Pearce’s work and his commitment to the castle grounds, he was awarded a watch by Egremont Town Council and received an array of positive praise from the public.

In the remaining years, the entire borough of Copeland has benefitted from Mr Pearce’s experience and expertise - particularly Copeland’s prestige areas such as St Nicholas’ Gardens.

Mr Pearce said: “It’s good to look back on how much the work has changed over the years. When I first started working for Copeland there was no strimmers. We had to use shears, scythes and sickles and paths were swept with a brush - we weren’t allowed to use blowers.

“I’ve very much enjoyed my time working outdoors, and I’ll look forward to spending my retirement this way - on the golf course, gardening, walking and getting into running again.

“I’m very proud of the standard of work I’ve been able to achieve, and I like working for the benefit of the community.

“After 45 years I think it’s time to retire and make way for younger people to take my place.”

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, added: “Ian is a shining example of our talented, diligent and exceedingly hard-working team.

“His work has been recognised by so many over the years, with positive praise from colleagues, partners, clients and residents.

“Ian’s commitment to Copeland and its community is unmatched, and we are incredibly sad to see him go. It’ll be a big loss to the team, but we wish him a happy and restful retirement - which is very well deserved.”