He is a shining example to today’s modern apprentices.

Geoffrey Bolton has surpassed retirement age by 23 years, yet despite his advancing years he has no plans to retire.

The 88-year-old was 15 when he came to work as an apprentice at the Guiseley jewellery shop he now runs with his son Robert, a gemologist.

“We are involved in different aspects of the business, but we compliment each other,” says Robert.

Geoffrey works on the same wooden bench at N G Bolton where he learned his trade of watch repairing 73 years ago and he has retained a steady hand and clear vision to perform such intricate repairs.

Geoffrey says he enjoys the challenge of watch repairing and says he will continue to do it “so long as my hands are reasonably steady”.