A CITY council worker is retiring after more than 30 years loyal service to the Faithful City - and in that time he has never had a day off sick.

But, head of personnel and business support Barry Briscoe has had his fair share of illnesses and injuries during that time.

He said: "I did have to go to hospital and have an operation on a finger after playing cricket once. The ball bounced up and dislocated and fractured my finger. The operation only took a couple of hours so I went back to work.

"Another time a ball hit my ankle and it went black and I couldn't walk but I got a walking stick so I was able to carry on."

Despite a demanding job, the sports-mad 62-year-old of Lower Broadheath has also made a great contribution to the city's sporting scene, founding the Worcester Colts youth football team 27 years ago and playing regularly for the Old Elizabethan's cricket team.

Originally from Long Wittenham, Thames Valley, Barry and his wife Lorraine moved around the country extensively before coming to the area in 1976. Since then, the father of two cannot believe how quickly the years have passed.

He said: "It's unbelievable. It doesn't seem possible. Before I started here the longest I was in a job was probably four years. I feel proud to have worked here. It's a lovely city, an historic city and a lot of change is going on. It's going to be a fantastic place to live in the future. I'll still be here to watch from the sidelines."

David Wareing, chief executive of Worcester City Council, said: "Barry has been a stalwart servant of the city council and a superb head of personnel. He seems to know and be known by almost everyone who works for us and is highly respected by councillors on all sides for his wise advice and guidance in respect of the council's most important resource - the men and women who work for us and their welfare.

"Barry has done a terrific job and we all wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement."

Mr Briscoe, who officially retires on Sunday, is looking forward to spending time with his family before deciding what to do in the future.