His are hands that have helped launch a thousand yachts.

But now Brian Saunders has finally called it a day on his incredible decades-long career at Hoveton-based Jeckells the Sailmakers.

Mr Saunders, 70, was just 15 when he first walked through the firm’s doors on April 8, 1968.

Norwich Evening News: Brian Saunders arrives to a party atmosphere as his colleagues fire party poppers for his retirement from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years. Brian Saunders arrives to a party atmosphere as his colleagues fire party poppers for his retirement from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years. (Image: Denise Bradley)

And on Friday - exactly 55 years later - colleagues and friends gathered around to share a laugh and a mardle with ‘Flinty’, the man known for his Norfolk accent and dry sense of humour.

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Mr Saunders said: “They asked me to go out and measure a boat in the lovely pouring rain.

Norwich Evening News: Chris Jeckell, right, managing director, presents Brian Saunders with his gifts as Brian retires from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years.Chris Jeckell, right, managing director, presents Brian Saunders with his gifts as Brian retires from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years. (Image: Denise Bradley)

"I thought it was a bit suspicious and when I got back there was a banner up and a lot of the old workmates were in the shop to see me, so it was lovely.”

Mr Saunders started his career as a rigger, working for the hourly rate of 2 shillings and 9d, on shifts that often lasted 20 hours. 

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He picked up the art of hand-splicing wire, moved into sailmaking and ended up as a factory foreman.

Norwich Evening News: Brian Saunders with his gifts as he retires from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years.Brian Saunders with his gifts as he retires from Jeckells at Wroxham after 55 years. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Saunders said he had only taken one day off sick in all those years.

The job took him across Europe and he particularly remembers one complicated assignment where he was required to rig a Chinese junk in Poland.

Mr Saunders said: “We had to put about 40 ropes on this boat - normally it’s only a dozen or so. That was a big challenge.

“I’ve always liked going out and rigging the boats, putting up the masts and sails, and seeing the job finished once done.”

Mr Saunders met his wife, Sherrey, at Jeckells in the early 1970s and they have two children and five grandchildren. He is looking forward to spending more time with them in his retirement.

“They’ll always find me a job,” he said.