A Bradford Council employee who joined as an apprentice gardener and worked his way up to become head of parks has retired.

David Talbot, Head of Parks and Landscape, ended his 40-year commitment to the district's parks on December 31.

Mr Talbot spearheaded many projects but he described his involvement in the Lister Park restoration as his 'crowning glory.' Barrie Tinker, principal parks and landscape manager, who worked alongside him for over 30 years, said: "The public perception of Lister Park was that it was going downhill and he really wanted to restore it to its former glory. He made a start on refurbishing the park and then looked into putting a bid together to gain some money from the Lottery in the late 1990s.

"We were absolutely thrilled when we heard the bid was successful and that we had got £3.2 million. In 2002 we were able to reopen the boating lake after building a new pavilion and that has been hugely popular with local residents.

"David is a very modest man but he has been utterly committed to providing the best possible parks for the district's residents. We wish him a long and happy retirement."

Mr Talbot joined the Council in 1965 at 15 as an apprentice gardener in Lady Hill Park, before becoming technical assistant in 1974.

He then set up an arboricultural service to look after the many trees on Council land. Mr Talbot moved on to become the area manager in 1980, principal manager in 1989 and then became head of the service in 2002.

He brought in a plan to encourage developers to invest in play facilities as part of the planning conditions for building new homes.

Mr Talbot said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Council, met lots of characters on my journey and am looking forward to spending more time following leisure pursuits."

Councillor Simon Cooke, Executive Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: "David was a very good officer who really cared about the district's parks and open spaces."