DERRICK Batterbee has retired after gritting and working on the roads in Fenland for more than 35 years. Mr Batterbee, 65, received cards and an envelope of WH Smith vouchers on his last day with Cambridgeshire Council. Friends and family went to his home

DERRICK Batterbee has retired after gritting and working on the roads in Fenland for more than 35 years.

Mr Batterbee, 65, received cards and an envelope of WH Smith vouchers on his last day with Cambridgeshire Council.

Friends and family went to his home in Festival Close, Manea, for a party and there was a celebration at

Foreman Bridge campsite in Sutton St James, where he and his wife Margaret are regular visitors.

Mr Batterbee used to do kerbing, drain laying and manhole building before the old Isle of Ely County Council offered him the chance of gritting about 35 years ago.

He said: "I was asked if I would like to do it and I have done it ever since."

Mr Batterbee also tended to bridges for 26 years. His work involved stripping them down to bare concrete before rebuilding them completely.

His wife, a postwoman in the village for 32 years, said: "I do not want to see another boiler suit or hat for as long as I live.