A Collier Row engineer has vowed to keep working until he "can no longer get out of bed" as he gets ready to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Mick Wollen reaches the milestone tomorrow (June 15), having started his career as an apprentice toolmaker in 1958.

Mick is now a mechnical fitter supervisor at building company Ergro, and was one of the company's founding directors in the early 1990s.

When asked what would stop him working, he said: "Not until the firm makes me or I can no longer get out of bed."

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A former marathon runner, Mick lives an active lifestyle but said he gave up running after his friend had a heart attack while out together.

He said he has turned to walking instead and said banter with the team keeps him young.

"Having Mick on site at 80 years of age is an incredible achievement," said Max King, an apprentice engineer.

"Being able to work alongside someone who has as much experience and knowledge of this industry is great for myself," he added.