A TOOLMAKER with a Cookley engineering firm has been given a golden goodbye, having retired after 50 years with the company.

Colin Hill, now 65, was just 15 when he joined what is now known as Titan Steel Wheels, in Bridge Street.

Back in 1956, when Mr Hill began his five-year apprenticeship, the business was known as Steel Stampings Cookley. At that time, it made products ranging from hairdryer stands to rocket motor casings.

Over the years, the company has concentrated its efforts on making heavy duty wheels for a variety of industries, including civil engineering and mining.

"Wheels were only a small part of it then, now it's all wheels," said Mr Hill, reflecting on his time with the firm.

To mark his retirement and long service, the company gave Mr Hill a computer as a parting gift.

The Kidderminster-born and bred widower, who attended Sladen Secondary School and Kidderminster College, has a son and daughter and four grandchildren.

He lives in Broadwaters and will find plenty to occupy him during his retirement. He will become president of Kidderminster and District Lions in June, currently serving as vice-president. He has also chaired Kidderminster Carnival committee for 14 years and is a fund-raiser for KD11 Harkaway Scouts.

He also intends to do more photography, which has been one of his major interests for many years.