He's been called Britain's most amazing pensioner.
For more than 70 years, Harry Mercer has been helping to change people's lives through his volunteering.
But now the 96-year-old, of North Shields, who served in the RAF during the Second World War, has decided to call it a day.
Harry has retired from his role meeting and greeting patients and visitors at North Tyneside General Hospital.
He had been at the hospital for 35 years but his volunteering actually goes back to 1947 when he and his late wife Betty raised funds to build a headquarters for the Tynemouth Sea Scouts at the Haven, which is still in use today.
He remained involved with the scouts for many years and in the late 1950s started raising money for the NHS.
Harry was chairman of North Tyneside League of Friends for 30 years, through which thousands of pounds were donated to support healthcare services in North Tyneside.
He was also a member of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade for 15 years - all while running his own business, an electrical repair shop in North Shields.
Over the last four decades, he has been an active volunteer in hospital radio, driving the buggy which transports patients and visitors around North Tyneside hospital and meeting and greeting people when they arrive.
In 2017, Harry was selected by public vote as a regional finalist for the Pride of Britain awards in recognition of his lifetime of volunteering.
He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my whole time volunteering. I certainly didn't think that when I started in the late 1940s, I'd still be going all these years later but the truth is I’ve been having such a great time – I love helping people.
"I've met some fantastic people over the years and I'd like to thank everyone at the hospital for their support."
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held a special presentation for Harry and thanked him for his many years of service.
Alison Marshall, non-executive director at the Trust, presented him with a gift and lifetime achievement certificate signed by chief executive Sir James Mackey and chairman Alan Richardson.
She said: "I was honoured to give Harry the send-off he deserved to recognise his self-less contribution to our hospital and many local organisations over many years.
"He is a true pillar of society and a wonderful example of how volunteering can become a life-long rewarding activity.
"We can't thank him enough for what he's done for our patients and visitors. It simply won't be the same not seeing Harry when you come into North Tyneside hospital however after more than 70 years of giving back to the local community, he certainly deserves a well-earned rest.
"From everyone at Northumbria Healthcare we wish Harry all the best for his retirement."
Brenda Longstaff, head of charity development and volunteering, added: "Harry has given so much of himself for his community.
"He is a shining example of what you can achieve as a volunteer and it is amazing to think that his selfless service has probably touched thousands of lives over the years. We shall miss him greatly."
