BLACKPOOL Airport's longest serving member of staff has decided to hang up his boots and retire.

But he'll soon be pulling on another pair to go walking in the Yorkshire Dales where he plans to spend his retirement days.

Jim Roper used to work down a pit in Yorkshire, hacking coal, but decided to come to Blackpool for some fresh air 25 years ago. He got a job at the airport and has been there ever since. Enormous changes have taken place during his time there, including the construction of an entirely new airport.

His position as airport hand has been anything but dull, as he explained: "I've met them all. Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, Neil Kinnock and John Major.

"It's been fantastic, I even met Boyzone. Eric Sykes and I sat eating chips with none other than Shirley Bassey.

"They all came to see me - I never knew I was so popular!"

Joking aside, Jim continued: "I'm looking forward to putting on my walking shoes and relaxing."

Management and staff at the airport pulled together and threw Jim a huge retirement party.

They also presented him with vouchers to buy himself a new pair of walking boots.

During his time at the airport Jim has seen the introduction of flights to the Isle of Man, Ireland and the airport now flies to Tenerife and Benidorm through tour giants Thompsons.

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