King Charles has congratulated the UK's oldest volunteer who is still working for the National Trust in Worcestershire.

Malcom Walford, age 91, has been part of the team at Croome Court, near Pershore, for 71 years and has no plans to retire.

He was initially employed as a labourer two months after Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.

Since then, Mr Walford has devoted his life to working at the estate before it was taken over by the National Trust - quickly re-joining as a volunteer after his retirement.

Mr Walford - affectionately nicknamed ‘Grandad Croome’ - celebrated his 91st birthday on Sunday (August 25), and received a letter from King Charles thanking him for his 71 years of service.

In the letter, King Charles said he was "heartened" by Malcolm's appreciation for the natural landscape and heritage of Croome.

Mr Walford joked: "He's a friend of mine, a good friend of mine.”

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Despite his years, Mr Walford works at the church in the grounds two days a week and has no plans to retire. 

Mr Walford has even reserved a burial plot in the churchyard so he will always be part of the estate.

He said: "I shall be here as the ghost of Croome. I will never leave this place. It’s part of me.

"Looking back, I never would have thought I’d still be working at Croome aged 91 but I still plan to work here until at least next year.

"It's just Croome, it's where I grew up and it's taken over my life. It took over my family life. 

"The girls in the canteen look after me as do the staff in the offices, the court, the reception.

"They've started calling me Grandad Croome now and it's lovely.

"I didn't think I'd reach this age, but both my parents reached 92, so if I could reach 92 next year at Croome, that's going to be a kingpin in my life."

"As long as I've got breath in my body, I shall be here at Croome."

Michelle Fullard, general manager of South Worcestershire National Trust, said: “His long service to this beautiful and special place is testament to his loyalty and to the spirit of Croome. We’re also glad to be a friend to him.”