A council gravedigger is hanging up his spade after digging 3,500 over the last 35 years.
Keith Jackson has prided himself on getting the measurements right to the exact centimetre during his macabre career.
He said he was given the exact coffin dimensions then meticulously dug the perfect plot every time.
The 67-year-old has averaged about two per week in all weathers for three-and-a-half decades.
But sometimes he would have to do three a week.
He said the key to a good career as a gravedigger is a “good spade” and “plenty of sympathy.”
The pensioner’s love of digging started when he was just 15.
Keith, 67, got a job working for his local council as an apprentice gardener.
He worked as a park supervisor before starting working as sexton of Clitheroe Cemetery, in the Lancashire town in 1988.
Proud Keith said: “You need a good spade and plenty of sympathy in this job.
“You have to be mindful of people’s grief and have the utmost respect for what they are feeling.”
He added: “We receive the exact dimensions of each coffin from undertakers and each grave is meticulously measured and dug.
“So that everyone who is being buried has the perfect resting place.
“I have loved working in this beautiful cemetery and providing a valuable service to local bereaved residents, who appreciate everything we do.
“I will miss my council colleagues, who are a great bunch and have been a joy to work with.”
The cemetery is maintained by Ribble Valley Borough Council.
His park supervisor role was at Clitheroe Castle, also run by the local authority.
Ricky Newmark, chairman of the council’s community services committee, said: “Keith is a fantastic member of our cemeteries team and very popular with colleagues.
“His 40 years’ service to the residents of Ribble Valley, particularly the bereaved, is a tremendous achievement.
“And he is a fantastic example of the dedication, care and effort that council employees put into making the borough a great place in which to live.
“We wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Local Linda Homer said: “Happy retirement Keith, time to play out again.
“And thank you for your care of our loved one’s resting places.”
Geraldine Woodworth added: “You will be missed.
“Always a friendly greeting from you when visiting the cemetery.”
Fiona Ritchie said: “Best wishes for your retirement.”
