Ray Tokley visited every ward at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston each time he was on shift.

But Mr Tokley, from Lowestoft, has now been at the wheel for his final service after retiring from the NHS.

During a career spanning more than 40 years, Mr Tokley began his NHS service in the Braintree area of Essex, working at a number of healthcare providers including the Black Notley Hospital, a specialist centre for orthopaedics and plastic surgery, which has since closed.

He then moved to the James Paget, where he had worked for 22 years.

In that time Mr Tokley has performed a vital role that ensures patient areas are kept free of everything from clinical waste to general rubbish and dirty linen.

But after clocking up thousands of miles as he drove an electric ‘tug’ - which pulls a train of wheelie bins to transport unwanted items away from clinical areas - the 69-year-old waste porter has made his last journey before retiring from the NHS after more than 40 years service.

Mr Tokley said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time working at the Paget – it’s such a friendly place.

“I just enjoy seeing people and saying ‘hello’ – and this job has allowed me to do that each time I am on shift.”

“It will seem strange not coming into the hospital for 5.30am after all these years – I need to remember not to set my alarm!” he added.

Despite calling time on his NHS career, he is planning to keep busy - with his love of gardening.

In particular, he will be focussing his energies on helping maintain the gardens at a local care home for residents to enjoy.

© Eastern Daily Press