HRI switchboard operator, Richard Oldroyd, had his own celebrations at the weekend, after clocking up a whopping 50 years at CHFT.

Colleague, Tracy Jones, was chatting to Richard and found out his news, and wanted to share a huge shout-out to her colleague.

Here's what she wrote:

"The King of Switchboard shares his special day on the same weekend our new King of England is crowned.

Richard is a 'proper gentleman' with a jolly personality. His bark is worse than his bite! He likes to have banter with colleagues and has been known for his pranks (like sellotaping things to tables)!

He has a heart of gold and will help anyone.

He started working for CHFT on 7th May 1973 - when the number one song in the hit parade was Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree, by Tony Orlando. He worked for around 15 months in the Stores Department before moving into Switchboard. 

Up until recently he worked at a local garage valeting cars in his spare time and he loves going for a pedal on his bicycle and eating out."

Richard said: "The time has flown by. I must enjoy working with the team to have stayed for so long!"

Wow! Many congratulations Richard.