A PLYMOUTH man who spent more than half a century working for The Western Morning News Company Ltd, celebrates his 90th birthday today, writes Nicola Tapp.

Fred Phipps, born on the Barbican, had four sisters and two brothers.

He attended Travel Street school in Martin's Gate and started work aged just 14 for the newspaper. For many years he was a machine room overseer.

Part way through his apprenticeship, Fred went off to war aged 18. Five years later he returned to the company but had to carry out an extra two years apprenticeship, which meant he was 26 before he finished it.

His brother, Barrie and son Bob also worked for the company.

While serving in the Manchester regiment, Fred met Manchester lass, Nelly. They were married and had two children, Bob, who sadly passed away 13 years ago, four years after a heart transplant operation, and Jean, aged 59, who he now lives with in Plympton.

Jean had arranged a surprise birthday party for her dad, who first knew about it when family arrived at the house from Bristol. Guests also included fellow Old Comrades.

Fred played football until the age of 45 and was a Battalion lightweight boxer for his regiment.

Following his retirement aged 65, Fred used to go in to work every week to collect the football coupons until the age of 70.

"He is very healthy, very with it, the only problem he has is that he is partially blind," said daughter Jean.