A MALVERN carpet fitter has announced his retirement after 52 years in the trade.

Laurie Gardner, of Eston Avenue, started his career at Francis's of Malvern, and although for many years he has been self-employed, he still does most of his work for the Link-based family firm.

Derek Francis said: "Laurie must have put down tens of thousands of metres of carpet during his career. He has probably set foot in half the houses in Malvern. Laurie has always been a cheerful personality, always with a smile on his face."

Mr Gardner said: "I'll miss the work, but it will give me plenty of time to do work around the house and garden, and play some golf."