In all weathers, come rain or shine, Derek Futter has ploughed his furrow at the farm at Little Dunham, working for the father and son owners.But on Thursday he said a fond farewell to the farm where he has toiled the land for half-a-century.

In all weathers, come rain or shine, Derek Futter has ploughed his furrow at the farm at Little Dunham, working for the father and son owners.

But on Thursday he said a fond farewell to the farm where he has toiled the land for half-a-century.

It has been a labour of love for Mr Futter, who was 65 on Easter Sunday and says he has enjoyed being able to work on his own, using his own initiative and enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors even in the snow and sleet.

He was born and grew up in Little Dunham and left school at 15 and began working for KMA Farms, never believing that he would be there 50 years later.

“I certainly didn't think that when I began work after leaving school that I would still be on the same farm 50 years later but the years just creep up on you,” he said.

Over the years Mr Futter became a self-taught mechanical engineer and put this knowledge to good use in repairing farm tractors and equipment.

Farm owner Henry Kilvert, whose father, John, employed Mr Futter in 1958, described his as a “super bloke” and praised his loyalty and years of dedicated service.

Mr Futter has been married to his wife Valerie for 43 years. The couple have two grown-up children, Nigel and Debbie and two grandchildren.