Park 'champion' retires after 50 years of service

Neville Richmond began his career when he was 16 years old, weeding flower beds in St Nicholas Park

A maintenance man who had been caring for parks for more than five decades has retired.

Neville Richmond began caring for Warwick's parks, gardens and open spaces at 16 years old when he joined the district council's maintenance team in 1974.

He has been described as the rock of the team and over the years rose through the ranks to deliver key projects.

Mr Richmond said: "My first job was weeding the beds in St Nicholas Park as one of seven gardeners... a lot has changed since my first day."

The 66-year-old is known as someone who took pride in his job and "keeping staff motivated".

Councillor Will Roberts said Mr Richmond was a "huge asset to our district and local community."

He added: "The council would like to thank him for the many years of dedicated service, he will be sorely missed.”

The council said his experience and local knowledge contributed to him holding some of the highest positions in the department, becoming a team leader.

Mr Richmond said he looked forward to spending his retirement with his baby grandson.

He added: "I love all of the district’s parks and couldn’t choose a favourite and will miss the team but am looking forward to having time to show my 11-month-old grandson around.”