CLITHEROE Castle’s very own green king is set to retire next month after a ‘blooming’ half-century of gardening service.

John Latter, 65, has tended to the lawns and gardens on behalf of Clitheroe Borough Council at the castle since July 1965.

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Aged just 15, John joined the service straight from school after being diagnosed with epilepsy.

John said: “My options were limited when I left school, as I was not considered suitable to work with machinery, so gardening was the best option.

“Working in the fresh air at one with nature has helped me a lot and I haven’t suffered any symptoms for over 20 years.

John grew bedding plants at the Clitheroe Castle greenhouse for council gardens throughout Clitheroe, including at Brungerley, Edisford and Henthorn.

After a couple of years, he was based permanently as a gardener at the castle and in the subsequent decades has got to know the grounds well.

One of his favourite spots is the panoramic view from the castle’s 12th Century Norman keep.

John said: “I have quite a few favourite spots in the castle grounds. As well as the view from the keep, the park is spectacular in spring when the cherry trees flower, while in late afternoon in autumn, when the sun is low and shadows start to fall across the park, the view is breathtaking.”

John said things had changed since he started as a teenager. He said: “In those days you did not dare talk directly to a boss and received your daily instructions via a foreman.

“The council took me on, when others might not have, and has been a good organisation to work for, but gardening all year round is physically hard, so it is time to call it a day.

“I’ve had some fantastic colleagues and supervisors over the years, who have helped to make my job enjoyable and rewarding.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council chief executive Marshal Scott paid homage to the hard graft and endeavour by John.

He said: “John has been a reliable and consistent member of our grounds maintenance team and has looked after the castle grounds, as if they were his pride and joy.

“His 50 years’ service is a tremendous achievement. He will be missed by colleagues and the visitors .”