A DIRECTOR of East Anglian builders' merchant Kent Blaxill is retiring after 47 years.Kelvin Rix, 63, of West Mersea, who joined the Colchester branch in 1960, was presented with gifts from colleagues and the company.

A DIRECTOR of East Anglian builders' merchant Kent Blaxill is retiring after 47 years.

Kelvin Rix, 63, of West Mersea, who joined the Colchester branch in 1960, was presented with gifts from colleagues and the company.

“Kelvin has been a real stalwart of Kent Blaxill,” said managing director Simon Blaxill.

“He worked his way up through the company, taking evening classes, including an HND in business studies, to acquire the skills he needed.”

Mr Rix was appointed assistant company secretary in 1980, a company director in 1992 and went on to become personnel and administration director.

“He also had a sense of humour that lightened the atmosphere in many a meeting, as well as being a great raconteur,” said Mr Blaxill.

Mr Rix is a keen Colchester United fan and a member of the National Trust and has recently taken on an allotment to occupy himself in his retirement. He has also begun compiling light-hearted reminiscences of his 47 years with the company.