THE "man from the Pearl" has proved a real diamond to clients in more than three decades working his patch.

Marshall Deveaux has called it a day 33 years after he began selling Pearl Insurance policies to the people of Chester-le-Street.

He estimates he has visited homes in virtually every street in the town in the course of his work as an insurance advisor.

Mr Deveaux, 54, of Chester-le-Street, has taken the opportunity of early retirement offered by the company, now known as AMP Pearl.

But, having been off sick recently because of a back complaint, he regrets not having had the chance to say goodbye to his customers.

"The company has been very fair to me, but I just wish I could have seen my clients one last time just to explain I am leaving and to thank them for their business," he said.

"I have probably been in more homes in Chester-le-Street than anyone and I have got to know many people in the town quite well."

Mr Deveaux was introduced to the insurance world through involvement in a pub darts team.

A team-mate for the old Top House side, in nearby Craghead, told him of a job going with Pearl as they travelled to an away fixture, in 1969.

"It was quite appealing because it offered a mortgage after 12 months at four per cent interest, and a car," said Mr Deveaux.

"I inquired and was offered the job. I took it and have not looked back since."

He plans to find work which will not affect his back and hopes to stay fit enough to pursue his passion for golf.

Mr Deveaux has been married to Christine for 34 years.

They have two grown-up children, son Jason and daughter Lisa, and a six-year-old grandson, Kyle