DENNIS Franklin loves his job at a shoe shop so much that he has been there for 65 years.

The 80-year-old could have retired years ago, but says he has no plans to leave F Robinsons shoe shop, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in the near future.

Mr Franklin, who lives in Gent Road, Bishop Auckland, with his wife Dorothy, 77, beganworking at the shop, in Newgate Street, at the age of 15 in the shoe repairs department.

He now works part-time on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

George Robinson, who runs the shop, said: "Dennis is invaluable to us. He started working for us when my father, Ellis, ran the shop. He is part of the family.

"He keeps me on my toes. His favourite saying is business is business and he never takes a break when the shop is busy. He will be here until the day he feels it is time to leave.''

Mr Franklin, who said the thought of leaving had not crossed his mind, said: "I first started work here on August 20, 1939. I like coming here and working. It gets me out of the house and I like meeting and talking to people.

"I have a very good employer and his family have always treated me very well.''

Mr Franklin has watched the shop pass down three generations, having shopped there with his mother when he was a child, when founder Fred Robinson was in charge.

He said: "I know I will finish some time. Who knows what life has planned? I cannot go on forever but I am happy staying here for now.''