A Monmouth man has retired after more than 46 years in the ambulance service.

Bob Morgan, who lives in Osbaston, is originally from Pill and started his career in Newport in 1965.

Since then he has seen the service change from Newport and Monmouth to Gwent, to South East Wales to the Welsh Ambulance Service of today.

Bob had meant to retire three years ago, but returned to full-time work "because he couldn't face the prospect of retirement."

"46 years is a long time," said Bob, "and it won't be easy letting go, but I think the time has now come for me to let others make their mark."

In 1963, at the age of 15, Bob left school and joined British Rail as an engine cleaner and then moved on to being a footplate fireman with them.

He wanted to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the ambulance service but he was too young and needed driving experience, so he worked for Jones Bros delivering groceries to their outlets.

Before joining the ambulance service, Bob worked for the parks department of Newport Borough Council.

At the time, the ambulance service was run by the council so it wasn't long before he was able to transfer to the ambulance service on 13th June 1965.

"In those days, anyone with a St John's Ambulance or Red Cross first-aid certificate got an extra three shillings a week, which is amazing when you consider how things have changed and the level of skill and knowledge required these days," he said.

"It's also frightening to think that most ambulances then were single-manned."

Bob attended the Bridgend training school in 1969 and for 10 years was based at the Albert Street depot before being promoted to Station Officer.

He worked his way up the ladder to become Divisional Officer for North Gwent and Assistant Chief Officer at Caerleon.

He served as Acting Chief Officer until the South and East Wales Ambulance Trust came into being in 1993.

Bob became Divisional Officer for Gwent but after another reshuffle was transferred to Cardiff, having responsibility for South Glamorgan and the Vale of Glamorgan. He served there for many years before returning to Gwent, and Monmouth.

for full story, see this week's Monmouthshire Beacon