David Akesson, a free trade sales representative with Keighley's Timothy Taylor brewery, has retired after 47 years in the industry.

He started with Samuel Webster at Halifax in 1959 and then - after a short spell at the Old Mill Brewery, Snaith - joined Taylor's, promoting its traditional cask conditioned beers in Calderdale.

Timothy Taylor's staff gathered at the Albert Hotel in Keighley to mark his retirement.

Paying tribute to his colleague, sales manager Tony Howlett said: "David must be the best known person in pubs and clubs throughout Halifax. He is a true professional and there's no doubt he will be greatly missed by all his customers and everyone at the brewery.

"But, as the old saying goes, you can't keep a good man down and David will continue for a couple of days a week with us, to help new man Ben Lumb settle into his role."

At the lunch David was presented with a limited edition resin piece entitled 'Thirsty Work!'

Pictured are, from left, Tony Howlett, Katharine and David Akesson and Timothy Taylor's managing director Charles Dent