Harry marks 50 years in the game...

Grandad Harry Waters has clocked up an amazing 50 years working for the council.

Harry (66), from Royton, joined Oldham Council as a clerk during his teens in 1961.

Now he’s retiring from his job in the environmental health department after years of going that extra mile.

During his time he’s responded to thousands of complaints from burning industrial waste to barking dogs and noisy neighbours.

He also managed the Ada Street gypsy site and helped implement the Clean Air Act across the borough.

He said: “I’m certainly proud of some of things we’ve done, I once managed to get a key flown back from Majorca to go into a house and stop the alarm.

“Another time a tracked a woman down who was about to board the QE2 ship, then I had to give her father a ring who was giving a speech at the Royal Palace in Holland.

“He told us we could smash into his house in Chadderton to stop the alarm that was driving neighbours mad.”

Surrounded by his colleagues Harry, who is known for his love of foods from around the world, was showered with gifts during an emotional send-off.

Harry should have retired in 2009 but was kept on to cover staff shortages.

It was originally thought he’d complete his last day a month ago, but his manager extended his contract by four weeks to let him reach the milestone.

Harry added: “I’ve always loved the job, the changing teams I’ve worked with have always been fantastic.

“I’m really looking forward to retirement especially doing some DIY that I love.

“My wife has already got a list of jobs for me to do.”