A STOURBRIDGE supermarket stalwart says he has no plans to take it easy after retiring from Waitrose after a 40-year-long career.

David Harcourt, manager at the Ryemarket branch, said a fond farewell to colleagues during a celebratory last day at the store on January 29.

Mr Harcourt, aged 63, said he joined Waitrose - the food division of Britain's largest employee-owned retailer The John Lewis Partnership - after someone suggested he'd be well-suited to the organisation where all partners have a say and enjoy a share of the profits.

He started as a department manager, at mostly Midlands locations, before settling at the Stourbridge branch where he worked for around 35 years - winding up as manager of the long-running town store.

Such has been his popularity that numerous ex-colleagues called in to see him off on his last day - leaving him "overwhelmed".

He said: "There were so many people that came in during the course of the day we just lost count - retired colleagues and people I’ve met over the 40 years and managers phoning me up; it was fantastic."

And he added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Stourbridge branch. The partners have been fantastic and very supportive and it has been a privilege and an honour to have known them and worked with them all.

"The customers have been wonderful, so many characters, so much banter and fun. I wish them well and thank them all for such fond memories."

Mr Harcourt, who is president of Stourbridge Chamber of Trade, however, is set to remain a cornerstone of the community in Stourbridge and has no plans to give up his existing voluntary commitments.

He aims to keep his role on the Chamber, which has seen him organising the long-running Stourbridge Carnival for decades as well as the town's Christmas lights switch on; he also plans to continue co-ordinating the Stourbridge in Bloom campaign which he says will face a "massive challenge" this year due to council cuts.

The grandfather-of-two also hopes to spend more time with his wife and family - and enjoy a spot of gardening, walking and fly-fishing.

"There's plenty for us to do," he said - although he admits he's sure to miss his day job.

He said: "Waitrose has been an amazing employer and has been very supportive in my role in the community and will of course continue to support community groups."

Barry Griffiths from Waitrose in Daventry is set to take over as manager at the Ryemarket store during the first week in April.