A former vessel traffic services manager has revisited his old workplace nearly two decades after retirement.

Robert Nock, known as Vernon, worked for Associated British Ports from 1981 until his retirement in 2005, managing the vessel traffic services (VTS) team.

Earlier this year, Vernon moved to Court Lodge, a care home in Lymington operated by Colten Care.

When he settled in, the staff asked him if there was anything special they could do for him. Vernon expressed a desire to visit the current VTS team at the Port of Southampton.

The care home staff coordinated with current managers to facilitate a trip to the present-day operating room.

In a delightful surprise, another of Vernon’s former colleagues, Alf Hunnybun, a vessel traffic service operator with over 44 years of service, was also on duty.

Vernon said: "I had a wonderful time. It was fantastic to be back there even though a lot has changed.

"The job essentially remains the same. Seeing Alf was great, I remember working with him so well and we had such a nice catch up."

Alf added: "It was lovely to see Vernon again after so many years."

Vernon, one of the first VTS managers in the 1980s, ensured the safe and efficient management of vessels and dock traffic throughout Southampton Water and much of the central and eastern Solent.

His return visit allowed him to witness changes at VTS since his retirement, including a £4 million operating room opened in 2016, now equipped with radar, an automatic vessel identification system, CCTV cameras, and fibre-optic cables.

On a day when four watchers were on duty, Vernon was welcomed by Russ Lynch, one of the four, who briefed him on the new equipment and shared updates about mutual acquaintances.

Russ, who joined VTS just as Vernon was retiring, remembered him well.

Companionship team leader Julia Puia, who accompanied Vernon on the visit, said: "A big thank you to Russ and Alf for their time and their welcome. Vernon was absolutely delighted to see them both again."