Asda's oldest ever colleague has retired at the age of 90 leaving behind a store where he was "loved by everyone".
Great-grandad Ron Withers, 90, served customers at the supermarket in Gosport, Hampshire for 20 years before hanging up the signature green workwear for the last time.
Before joining the store where his daughter, Lynn Reynolds, also works, Ron enjoyed a rich career working for both the armed forces and the royal family.
In 1948 he joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1948, spending time in Suez and Korea as a driver and signalman helping to transport soldiers.
Later, he moved on to become a chauffeur to the royals based at Lambeth Palace.
With his grandest adventures behind him, he finally wound up at Asda where quickly became known as the "store's granddad" by colleagues and was "loved by everyone".
Working at the store had its own perks though, Ron told HampshireLive, with regular customers and generous colleagues becoming "like family" to him.
He said: "I have really looked forward to coming to work. I have got to know colleagues and customers and it’s always great to see them.
"Now I’m 90 years young my family and I felt it was the right time to step down and enjoy my retirement.
"The colleagues are all like family to me and I will definitely be popping back to the store to make sure they are coping without me.
"It was lovely to see so many colleagues come to wish me well and I am really overwhelmed by their generosity.“
Lynn said: "It’s been a great opportunity to work with my dad. It's meant that I have been able to see him most days and I know how much he has enjoyed working here.
"It’s been really heart-warming to see how the colleagues have come together to give my Dad a great send off to enjoy his retirement."
Catherine Curtis, the store's new manager, added: "As I’ve not been with the store for long I was really pleased to be able to meet Ron and put a face to the character that I have heard so much about.
"On behalf of the store, I would like to thank Ron for all his service to the store and wish him a very happy 90th birthday and a relaxing retirement."
