A long-serving caretaker is finally hanging up his broom after nearly half-a-century on the same estate.

George Hall was 26 when he first started working at Chaucer House, Sutton Common, back in 1971.

The grandfather has become a much-loved part of estate life in his 44-years of service, doing everything from maintaining the boilers to helping out on fun days.

The 69-year-old, who lived in Chaucer House until 2008, was responsible for cleaning the block and clearing up litter outside. He would also unblock clogged bin chutes, and pull up weeds and moss outside.

He said: "I love coming to work and I have always wanted to make Chaucer the number one estate for caretaking in Sutton.  I always try to make time to speak to residents and children on the estate, many of them I have known all their lives."

Mr Hall, who now lives in Carshalton, will complete his last day of work tomorrow (January 30).

Sutton Housing Partnership staff and councillors have presented Mr Hall with a commemorative plaque, which will be placed at the estate as a reminder of his dedicated service.

Chaucer House resident Tony Beckett said:  "We have been living here for 17 years now and we’ve got to know George very well. 

"If you saw the children in the mornings as they go off to school you would know how much George is loved by everyone here. 

"We think he deserves a medal for what he does and he’ll be greatly missed. Thank you George."

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Sweet memories: George Hall cutting his leaving cake

Council leader Ruth Dombey said: “On behalf of everyone I’d like to thank George and congratulate him on 44 years of dedicated service to our community. He has helped countless people and done so much above and beyond his duties.

“It’s people like George that make a difference to our neighbourhoods. So much has changed over that time and I’m sure he has many wonderful memories. It’s a lovely gesture by residents to commemorate his work and we wish George a long and happy retirement.”