Jim Waters has spent 12 years lavishing care and attention on Manea cemetery and has enjoyed every minute of his time as caretaker. Visitors to the cemetery often remark how well kept it is. But 78-year-old Jim has been forced to give up his job because o

Jim Waters has spent 12 years lavishing care and attention on Manea cemetery and has enjoyed every minute of his time as caretaker. Visitors to the cemetery often remark how well kept it is.

But 78-year-old Jim has been forced to give up his job because of ill-health, and Manea Parish Council presented him with a gold watch as a token of its appreciation.

Jim, who lives in Glebe Close with his wife Mona, said: "When I retired I wanted something to do and this was a job where I could meet people - there is always someone there to chat to and pass the time with.

"I used to spend hours there and I think everyone thought I did a good job. They would stand and admire my flowers. I would have kept it on if I had still been in good health."Picture: BRIAN PURDY