VETERAN greenkeeper Adrian Wiltshire can finally put his feet up after almost half a century of service to a Hampshire golf club.

He joined the staff at Bramshaw Golf Club in 1958 and was appointed course manager and head greenkeeper in the early 1980s.

He stepped down on his 65th birthday on September 1 but agreed to stay on as a consultant. His days as an employee will finally come to an end on Thursday, when the club will throw a party in his honour.

Famous golfers who have visited Bramshaw over the years have included Prince Andrew.

Mr Wiltshire did not get to meet the prince but has fond memories of chatting to other celebrities who play at the club, including comedian Jasper Carrott.

Ian Baker, the club's general manager, paid tribute to Mr Wiltshire's "fantastic" service over the past 48 years.

He said: "Adrian has seen huge changes during his lifetime of employment at Bramshaw, including the addition of a second 18-hole course in 1971, which was designed by his father. Adrian is a real Forest man' with an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the area."

Mr Wiltshire, of Lyndhurst, plans to spend more time playing on the greens he tended.