Man celebrates 60 years at camping shop

A man has been celebrating his 60 years working for a camping shop that he considers his "second home".

Doug, 79, joined Millets on 10 May 1965 at a store in Wales when he was 19 but settled in Chippenham, Wiltshire, where he has been for five decades.

In 1965, there were still a lot of surplus World War Two goods on the shelves. "When I first started, I was selling gas masks," he said. I would wear a smart suit – now it's more casual."

Just a few years later, he became one of the youngest store managers in the company's history.

Charlotte Johns, regional manager, said: "I adore Doug, he's one of the kindest people I know. He is always happy and smiling."

Doug said the best part of the job was the people. "Most people in the town know me – they always pop in to see me. This is like my second home."

His colleagues, who have joined in the celebrations, described Doug as a "local legend".

One said he was a "joy to work with" who "always has a story to tell and always has help and advice when you need it".

Doug stepped down from management 15 years ago but still works part-time in the shop.

There's one moment in his long history with the shop that he remembers well – when the owner of the whole chain presented him with a cheque to help him buy his first house.

"I'll always be very grateful," he said.

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