Местный молочник Питер Уиттингем завершил 50-летнюю карьеру после награждения орденом Британского гражданства

A Staffordshire 'born and bred' milkman has retired after 50 years serving his local village. Peter Whittingham, of Wheaton Aston, has officially hung up his boots after spending 50 years as the village milkman. During his half-century career, Peter has not only been a milkman but a friend to customers, having delivered food to elderly residents, given first aid, and delivered customers their medical prescriptions. Peter, 65, was even presented a British Citizen Award for his service in 2023, recognising his commitment to the community. Starting at just 16-years-old, Peter's career wasn't even an intentional one, and began simply as a favour for his friend. "I was born and bred in Wheaton Aston," he said. "It all started when I was playing cricket and the milkman had hurt his back, he was a close friend and we had milk off him so I said I would give him a hand. ‌ "He said I could stop with him until I got a job and 50 years later I'm still here." During his 50 years, Peter has watched the industry change drastically, with milk starting off at 11.5p for a bottle. He added: "The price started off 11.5p, I'm cheap so I'm 90p but it should be £1.11. ‌ "It will be sad to leave but you can't really make a living on what I'm charging, you don't get new customers because they all get supermarket deliveries." Peter has run the business on his own since 2000, covering his 10 mile route five nights a week. Now he's ready to put his feet up and enjoy himself. "I think the time has come for me to retire and whilst I'm still fit," he said. "Im glad I am retiring, I've seen too many people go too long and when they've retired they don't have time to enjoy themselves. ‌ "I've made a lot of very good friends, they are not just customers. It's lovely that I've been able to stop in the village and provide this service for a lot of people. "When Covid came and lockdown came I couldn't see my customers for two years, that really took the talking side of the job to one side." Peter, who went to Wolgarston High School, is now looking forward to spending some time with his dogs and playing sports. He also held a retirement party at the sports and social club in the village for all his customers, inviting around 450 people. ‌ Get email alerts for the latest top stories from Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire