YOU'VE heard of air miles – but one man has been going the extra mile for nearly 46 years to help holidaymakers get away at Southend Airport.

Dave Brown, of Royston Avenue, Southend, finished his last shift at the airport yesterday, having started work there in August, 1969.

He has carried out maintenance jobs, been part of the fire crew and refuelled planes.

He was given a fitting send-off by his colleagues and a £2,000 voucher for the holiday of his choice.

Dave said: “They lined up a big surprise for me. They sent me over to the fuel storage area and, as I came back, two fire engines with water cannons were lined up, and all my colleagues were standing on the side in their tabards.

“Then there was a big reception and Southend Airport and the Stobart group presented me with a ticket for flights and hotel up to the value of £2,000. It’s an amazing amount. I wasn’t expecting that.”

Dave is part of the airport’s history and has been witness to many changes. It has gone from providing short hops to the continent and Channel Islands, to flying 1million passengers last year to a host of European destinations.

He said: “I started at the airport on August 5, 1969, working in maintenance of the buildings and grounds. We were busy then, but not to the extent we are today.

“In 1977, I started on fire crew duty which also entailed fuelling, maintenance and freight work.

“We used to get quite a bit of freight back then. In 1991 I went on fuelling only. I fancied a change and was a bit older and finding the work physically harder.

“I stayed doing that. It’s been a nice, steady job and its paid my mortgage.”

Dave, who has three children and four grandchildren, hopes to see more of them in his retirement when he is not travelling long haul.

He said: “We’ll take the holiday and then take it from there. We’re hoping to visit Australia next year, so that will be something I’ll look forward to. I’d also like to find a classic car to restore.

“The hardest thing will be leaving my friends at work. I really appreciate what they have done for me. I’m really going to miss all the people I’ve worked with all my life.”

Jason Ivey, Southend Airport operations director, said: “Congratulations to Dave on his well-earned retirement after a lifetime of service at the airport.

“From when it was the UK’s 3rd busiest in the Sixties, through the quieter years, to its current regeneration, he’s been a big part of the Southend Airport story and will be missed by his colleagues.”