'Real gem' worker celebrates 50 years at same firm

Derek Price said working at the nursery "keeps me going"

A garden nursery worker said he had no plans to retire as he celebrated 50 years working for the same company.

Derek Price, 66, started at the family-run Bryants Nurseries in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, on work experience aged 16 in 1974.

The supervisor told BBC Three Counties Radio: "[This job] has got me my house and everything... I can't do any more than that and I'm happy being here and I'm sure they're happy me being here - they haven't sacked me yet."

He added: "This is what keeps me going, I think."

Richard Bryant, who runs the nursery, planned a surprise present and celebration for Mr Price

Nursery owner Richard Bryant, who has worked at the business for 30 years, said no-one had worked at the company as long as Mr Price.

"It's a real benefit to the company to have long-serving members of staff because they know exactly what they should do, they can lead by example to the younger members - as long as conditions are right, why shouldn't they stay?

"He's been a real gem all those 50 years - congratulations to him."

Mr Price said he planned to go down to part-time hours over the coming months but encouraged others to find a passion for their work.

"If you like a job, keep at it... I have loved this job since I been here from the first day," he said.