HAINE & Smith Opticians in Westbury held a retirement party for popular optometrist Keith Bottomley, who had a career in optics spanning more than 40 years.

The 66-year-old, from Seend Cleave, Melksham, qualified as an optician in 1974 after graduating from Cardiff University and eventually settled down in Wiltshire in 1980 because he ‘always liked this part of the world’.

On his final day e was presented with leaving gifts and farewells from both staff and customers at the store located on High Street.

Mr Bottomley said: “I’ve often wondered why I became an optician, normally it is because someone in the family already is or you wear glasses yourself but I had none of that.

“The only reason I can think is because my brother-in-law, who was a pharmacist, had always said he wished he’d become an optician.

“I’ve been very lucky to have worked with people who have been fantastic and over the years I’ve met some wonderful people.”

After his final day at the store where he enjoyed a surprise party with friends and colleagues, Mr Bottomley joined Haines & Smith partners for a farewell dinner at Lucknam Park Hotel.

Viv Howse, manager at Haine & Smith in Westbury, said: “He was just real fun to work with, there was never a dull moment and because he’s a grandad he used to be the father figure and look after us all.

“He just cared about everything and everyone.”