Land's End signpost photographer retires aged 79

Peter Puddiphatt said his job was a joy

A photographer who took pictures of visitors at the Land's End signpost for 28 years has retired at the age of 79.

Peter Puddiphatt witnessed the transformation of privately-owned Land's End from a simple tourist attraction to a modern destination with a visitor centre.

He said: "It's a wonderful place with amazing views, sunsets, cloud formations and huge waves. It never gets tiring."

He said he had seen basking sharks, humpback whales and bluefin tuna from the famous signpost.

'It's a joy'

• BBC Radio Cornwall: Peter Puddiphatt reflects on his 28 years at Land's End

He was a signpost photographer from 1979 to 1984 and rejoined the team in 2000.

He has also met many celebrities, including Chris Evans, Brian Cox, Gary Barlow, Geri Halliwell, Davina McCall and Dawn French, who posed for his camera at the signpost.

He has also met hundreds of fundraisers including naked ones, those pushing beds and others walking backwards.

Land's End was also the start of the Olympic torch relay in 2012.

He had to adapt to the changing times, from film to digital cameras, from hard copies to email transfers and social media.

He said: "We've gone through quite a few cameras over the years.

"I really enjoyed the job although it's not really a job, it's a joy to be there.

"You meet so many interesting people."