An employee at a shopping centre in Essex will be retiring on Tuesday after 26 years of service.

Bruce Root started at the Culver Square Shopping Centre in Colchester in 1989, as a cleaner, working his way through to his current duties which include maintenance tasks and security manned guarding.

Mr Root, 65, who once played guitar for a local band when they played in the Waterstones store (now Superdry) as part of a promotions evening, received vouchers from the centre’s management team for a shopping spree.

Mr Root said: “I have had a lot of fun through the years and that all comes from the team that we have at Culver Square.

“There isn’t a day goes past that we don’t find something to laugh about.”

David Robertson, centre manager, said: “We are all sad to see Bruce go – he has been a big part of this centre for longer than most of us.

“All of the centre management team here wish him all the best in his new life of relaxation, he deserves it, and he is welcome back here anytime.”

Mr Root thanked the people he worked alongside over the years and added: “Although I am looking forward to my retirement I will miss all the friends I have made at the centre.

“When you work somewhere for that long they become like a family to you.

“I want to wish them all the best for the future.”