Colleagues, family and friends held a party on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of Arthur W Mays, one of the oldest working undertakers in the country.

Mr Mayes, who has provided Westbury and the surrounding area with a funeral service for about 60 years, was joined by around 60 people to mark the occasion at The Horse and Groom in Westbury.

He started working part-time for Westbury undertaker Albert Arnold in the 1940s, before eventually joining the Hallett brothers Jo and Jack in running the business.

The business in Warminster Road continued as Hallett and Mays until the death of Jack, when Mr Mays took over the business and continued it as Arthur W Mays until 18 months ago.

While ill health now prevents Mr Mays from taking an active role in the company, he still occasionally joins his colleagues for funerals.

His godson Anthony Adams, who will eventually take over the business, said: “He will occasionally come out with us, but not all the time as his legs are not quite what they used to be.

“He does still come up to the office for a cup of tea with us and we continue to keep him up-to-date with all the goings on.

“We also run it in the same spirit that Arthur has for more than half a century.

“Arthur was still doing every funeral until only 18 months ago, which is quite an incredible achievement.

“He is massively well known in the town and is highly respected for his approach of concentrating on the families.

“He has been quietly serving Westbury for so long and it was great to have a surprise party on Sunday with all of his friends, families and work colleagues in attendance.”

Mr Mays, who also served in the navy, was born in Monkton Farleigh, the youngest of three brothers, and grew up in Heywood, where he met his now late wife Ivy.

Mr Adams’ mother Anne was thought of like a daughter by Mr Mays and his wife and she now cares for him, while Anthony runs the firm with the help of Simon Smith, Nick Pearce and his brothers Steven, Trevor and Martin Adams.

He added: “Everyone was sharing their stories and happy memories of his role over the years at the party.”