Brian Wright's dedication to his job at the Aldiss store in Fakenham is as strong as it ever has been.

Eastern Daily Press: Brian Wright and his co-workers. Picture: Dan Bennett.Brian Wright and his co-workers. Picture: Dan Bennett. (Image: Archant)

Today was supposed to be his last day but due to a shortage of available staff he has decided he will work on Saturday too. 'We didn't have many staff members around on Saturday, so I had to make sure they had someone to cover' Mr Wright said.

This is his 47th year with the Fakenham department store. During that time he has seen the business grow from a small retailer to a large company but said now is the right time to put a stop to his lifelong career.

He said: 'It feels very strange to be leaving but it's been a long time coming. This last year has flown by though and it's come around so quickly.

'It's been a great job to be in, they've looked after me as a company. I've thought about it for a long time but now seems like the right time to leave for me.'

Mr Wright turned 65 this week and started working for Aldiss in 1971, having worked the majority of that time in the carpet department.

He added: 'Things are so different now to when I started. I remember when we moved into this building and there was a lot of work to do.

'I've seen a lot of faces come and go, some older faces and some much younger. I've worked in the old store, then as a carpet fitter for a little while and have been in the new store since it opened.'

Department manager Alan Morgan said: 'He will certainly be missed, he's been a wonderful member of the team.

'He's a well known local figure in Norfolk and always has time for people. We can never truly replace him as he's been so important.'

Mr Wright added: 'I will really miss the job but I am local so I imagine I will pop in every now and then to check how they are doing without me.

'I think I'm now going to have a bit of me time after working for so long and look after my grandkids.'