A long-serving milkman who has retired after 37 years was the guest of honour at a surprise party organised by grateful customers.

Bob Belson, who lives in Gorleston, has been doing the same round for Dairy Crest for nearly four decades ,around Acle, Upton and North Burlingham.

He placed his last pint of milk on a doorstep on Christmas Eve, and on Sunday attended a surprise party at the Upton village hall, organised so customers could say thank you.

Over the years Mr Belson has become a friendly face to many of his customers and regularly took time on his round to talk to them, or provide a listening ear.

His quick thinking also helped to prevent a disaster at the local vet, when once, while on his round, he spotted a fire at the premises in Acle and quickly alerted the fire brigade.

One of his customers, who organised his surprise party on behalf of the Upton village hall group, Mrs Pitchers, said: 'Bob has been a great friend and benefactor to the village and has been extremely generous, supplying the milk for all our fundraising events for the village hall for the last 18 years, for which we have been very grateful.

'He has consistently delivered an excellent service and been a real part of the local community, which is why we wanted to show our appreciation by throwing him a retirement party.'

Keith Hoban, depot manager at Dairy Crest Gorleston said: 'We wish Bob all the best in his retirement and hope he enjoys the extra time to spend with his grandchildren and going on long walks – which we know he loves.'

Do you have a Gorleston story? Email anne.edwards@archant.co.uk