MOST people think by the time they’re 84 they will be putting their feet up.

Not Ken Haskell, from West Moors, who’s still happily working after 70 years.

The great-grandfather, who left school at 14, says he has no intention of giving up his job as a plant mechanic anytime soon.

Mr Haskell, who works at Guy’s Plant Hire in Three Legged Cross, said: “A few things have changed since I started work during the Second World War. We had horses and carts, for a start.

“Work is just something to do, it keeps the mind working. I might stop one day when I don’t feel like getting out of bed.”

Mr Haskell, who has three sons with wife Pamela, began his career at Armfield, in Ringwood, during the war.

He then helped to build the big tower at St Leonard’s Hospital, which was used as a base for injured American soldiers, before a few jobs driving tractors.

Mr Haskell served in the RAF for six years from 1946.

Then he moved into heavy goods, working for Boylands Transport Firm at Kinsons Plant Hire, repairing lorries and diggers.

Then came 17 years at Blimford Engineering, before a move to Hoares Transport, at Ferndown, where he spent 25 years.

When Eddie Moore’s plant was taken over by Guy’s, he stayed on again.

“If you like your job then that’s it,” Mr Haskell said. “I didn’t enjoy school.

“I started off being paid 17 shillings and thruppence – that’s 75p these days.

“I spent it all at once! I had to give 10 shillings to my mum and I had the rest. I felt ever so well off.”

He met Pamela at a dance hall in Boscombe and they have been married for 61 years.

Managing director Andy Guy said: “Ken’s a sprightly old fellow who wants to keep going as long as he can.

“He’s one of these old school lads that think if they stop working they’ll end up six feet under.

“He’s more than physically able to do the job and we think he’s great.”