WINDOW cleaner Arthur Thornton has put away his chamois leather and bucket after more than 60 years in the job.

The 84-year-old, who started out cleaning windows after leaving the Navy when he was 23, celebrated his retirement with family, friends and customers at a party last week at Changes Cafe in Prenton last Tuesday.

He started with brother Freddie. But Freddie’s Ill-health forced Arthur to carry on by himself and for the next 48 years he went on to work across Merseyside.

For the last few years he has concentrated on cleaning the windows of businesses in Woodchurch Road, Prenton. He retired last month.

On his retirement Arthur, who is originally from the Kirkdale area of Liverpool but now lives with his wife of 53 years, Rita, at their home in Tranmere, told the Globe that he would miss the job.

He said: "I've very much enjoyed doing it, and I'm going to miss the people I've cleaned windows for.

"Sometimes when I'm by myself I have a little cry, because I know I won’t be doing the round anymore. But life's been very good to me."

He started off with a bike, then got a motorbike and side-car to carry his cleaning equipment around in.

The father-of-two's nephew Paul has now taken over the round. Arthur is also a steward at Tranmere Rovers Football Club on matchdays and plans to take a holiday in Llandudno.

Jan Gill, owner of Changes cafe in Woodchurch Road, where the party was held, said: "Every Sunday morning he brightens up everybody’s day and used to clear the tables for us when we were busy. He is a lovely man and I’m going to miss him."

Jilly Jones, an adminsitration clerk for nearby Clive Watkin Partners Estate Agents added: "I've worked here for four years and known him throughout that time. He will be much-missed and it must be very strange to give up work after 61 years in the same job."