Man celebrates 60 years at camping shop

Doug, 79, said his favourite thing about his job is the people popping in to see him

A man has been celebrating his 60 years working for a camping shop that he considers his "second home".

Doug, 79, joined Millets on 10 May 1965 at a store in Wales when he was 19 but settled in Chippenham, Wiltshire, where he has been for five decades.

In 1965, there were still a lot of surplus World War Two goods on the shelves. "When I first started, I was selling gas masks," he said. I would wear a smart suit – now it's more casual."

Just a few years later, he became one of the youngest store managers in the company's history.

Charlotte Johns, regional manager, said: "I adore Doug, he's one of the kindest people I know. He is always happy and smiling."

Doug said the best part of the job was the people. "Most people in the town know me – they always pop in to see me. This is like my second home."

Doug has been celebrating with his colleagues at his shop in Chippenham

His colleagues, who have joined in the celebrations, described Doug as a "local legend".

One said he was a "joy to work with" who "always has a story to tell and always has help and advice when you need it".

Doug stepped down from management 15 years ago but still works part-time in the shop.

There's one moment in his long history with the shop that he remembers well – when the owner of the whole chain presented him with a cheque to help him buy his first house.

"I'll always be very grateful," he said.