Winchester: Man, 85, still working on construction site

Jack Butcher tried to retire in his sixties - but it did not last long

An 85-year-old man who operates machinery for a civil engineering company has said he will keep doing it "as long as I feel alright".

Jack Butcher started working aged 15 and is now employed by the demolition division of Winchester-based HWM Group.

He has also worked across Dorset and Surrey and, while he admits some people may think him "crazy", said he has no plans to stop.

Company director Adam Blake said Mr Butcher was an "asset" to the team.

• Dorset RNLI lifeguard proves age is just a number

Mr Butcher has been driving heavy plant machinery for 65 years.

"I started off on the farm," he said. "I worked there... for three to five years and then I went on to the building site."

Mr Butcher did try to retire for about week in his sixties, a company spokesperson said, but he did not last long.

"He doesn't like being at home - he's like a caged animal," said his son Paul Butcher, who also works for HWM, adding that his wife "prefers him to be at work".

Company director Adam Blake says Mr Butcher is an "asset" to the team

Last month Mr Butcher completed a health and safety knowledge assessment to renew his CSCS Green Card, and passed his Client Specific Fit to Work Medical Examination.

Mr Blake said Mr Butcher's ability and reliability "are second to none".

"We can always count on Jack to get the job done," he said.

Mr Butcher said he still enjoys the early starts. A spokesperson for the company added that he likes to be at work early, and is keen to get going as soon as the site is open.

"Some people might think I'm a bit crazy," he said.

"As long as I feel alright, that's how I'll continue."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].