UNDERTAKER Ted Rayment has retired after 46 years in the business. Sixty-five-year-old Ted worked for funeral directors Cecil Newling in Market Hill, Royston, and said his time with the company had been enjoyable. Ted took his carpentry and joinery skill

UNDERTAKER Ted Rayment has retired after 46 years in the business.

Sixty-five-year-old Ted worked for funeral directors Cecil Newling in Market Hill, Royston, and said his time with the company had been enjoyable.

Ted took his carpentry and joinery skills to the company in 1960 - the same year that Muhammad Ali won his first professional fight, and the year that ushered in the swinging 60s.

He said: "I will miss the job - it's been a big part of my life for a very long time.

"There's lots that I will miss - especially the people.

"Being based in the centre of Royston, you get to know so many."

Ted was brought up in the town, and the Rayment family have lived in Royston for almost 200 years.

"I've given the town a service, and a very important one," said Ted.

"My job involved a great deal of helping customers, and I also prepared coffins and drove the hearses and limousines."

Cecil Newling director Beverley Lodge said: "I've never seen anyone make coffins more skilfully than Ted.

"He always took real pride in his work, and was always immaculate in his appearance, and an exceptional driver.

"The cars were always cleaned to perfection, and the maintenance work he carried out around our three branches was to the highest standard."

Retirement will now give Ted the opportunity to pursue his hobbies - particularly his interest in classic cars.

Ted currently owns a MG TD and a 1933 Austin Seven, which he restored, and spends his spare time cleaning and keeping them in first class working condition.

He said: "My retirement certainly gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my cars and family.

"As a family we take the cars to various fetes and rallies, and it's always a really enjoyable experience."

Mrs Lodge said Ted was a master craftsman, who was highly skilled and meticulous in all his work.

She added: "His loyalty to the company has been exemplary.

"Ted will be a very difficult act to follow.

"His professionalism, caring and friendly nature, attention to detail, and master skills are rarely seen today, and will be greatly missed, not just by Cecil Newling, but by the funeral business as a whole.