VIOLIN-PLAYING site manager Jack Haswell will hang up his hard hat for the last time next month when he calls it a day after more than 50 years in the construction business.

Apprenticed at 15, and with a first pay packet of £1.16 and 7d (about £1.78) for a 44-hour week, Mr Haswell will retire on February 6 to spend more time with his wife and family.

Rob Armstrong, divisional North-East sales manager for Bellway, said: "Jack has been a huge asset to the company. He has taken responsibilities easily and has been an inspiration to his team."

He began his working life with William Norman, a Chester-le-Street, County Durham company founded in the 1860s that specialised in joinery, undertaking and building work.

Apart from two years' National Service with the Royal Engineers, Jack spent his working career in construction at Norman and then at Bellway North East.

Away from the site, his favourite hobby has been playing a French-made Gand and Barnardel violin, made in 1867, in local orchestras and staff bands.

He plays with the Birtley Music Society and Stanley Light Orchestra.

Jack, who lives at Bournmoor, County Durham, intends to spend more time with his wife, Ilene, and their twin sons.

But retirement will not mean a lazy break for Jack, who has been site manager at Oakfield Lodge, near Darlington, for the past few months.

He said: "When on holiday we usually get up when the milkman comes by and go for a run and a walk for up to seven miles before breakfast. It is something we have always done."

Published: 20/01/2004