EASTLEIGH’S longest serving street lighting worker Albert Skinner has died. He was 82.

Mr Skinner, who joined the authority in 1943 clocked up 44 years service with the authority.

Mr Skinner, who lived in Millbrook, Southampton, had played a leading role in setting up the town’s Christmas illuminations. He was once given the honour of helping the borough’s first citizen to officially switch on the lights.

He leaves a widow and two daughters. The funeral will service will be on March 18 at The Salvation Army in Victor Street, Shirley, Southampton followed by cremation at the Southampton Crematorium’s East Chapel.