FORMER colleagues and Mayor of Weymouth and Portland David Harris were among the guests at St John Ambulance volunteer Rex Purchase's retirement party.

Mr Purchase has been forced to hang up his badges after 60 years of loyal service with the Weymouth branch - but will carry on supporting the charity as a non-uniformed helper.

Around 70 guests gathered at the local station in Westwey Road to see commissioner David Nobbs present him with a commemorative certificate from the organisation's London headquarters.

Weymouth divisional superintendent Julie Dean said: "It was a great turnout and a great night was had by all.

"A lot of people travelled a long way to be there, and that tells you all you need to know about the man.

"He's done so much over the last 60 years.

"It's impossible to replace someone like him, he'll be sorely missed."

Mr Purchase, from Chickerell, has been responsible for first aid at Weymouth Football Club for the last 30 years and been on duty for many Weymouth Carnivals.

He was also presented an engraved glass bowl for his efforts and his wife Denise was presented with a bunch of flowers.