After 11 years and 11 mayors, Alan Hall has finally hung up the car keys and retired as the Mayor of Winchester's chauffeur, a decade later than he originally intended.

The 69-year-old only intended to remain as the mayor's official driver for 18 months but loved the job so much he stayed for an extra 10 years. Even a triple heart bypass that put him out of action for four months couldn't dissuade him from returning to his work, driving Winchester's first citizen in a silver-grey Rover 75.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the various different mayors of Winchester, as you can see by the number of years I have stayed," said Alan.

"The best thing about the job is the wonderful places I have visited and the fantastic people I have had the privilege to meet."

After living in and around Winchester almost all his life, most recently in Kings Worthy, Alan and his wife, Cynthia, have now moved to France where they plan to spend their well-earned retirement.

A temporary driver has replaced Alan until Serco, which runs the mayor's car on behalf of Winchester City Council, hires a new chauffeur.