Bridlington milkman retires after 41 years delivering to the town's homes

David Robson has retired from his round after 41 years as a milkman in the town.

The 72-year-old, who lives in Bridlington and has delivered to homes around the area, said he will miss his customers and the peacefulness of the early hours.

"It's the best part of the day," he said. "You're out in the lovely fresh air and no one bothers you. I'm nearly finished before everyone else gets out of bed."

Mr Robson became a milkman when he was 31, having previously worked at a clothing firm and a garage.

"I just wanted an outdoor job," he said.

When he started, he was working for Northern Dairies on Scarborough Road. Then he bought a franchise from them and eventually bought the round.

At one point, he was delivering to every house in West Hill.

But, Mr Robson says the rise of supermarket shopping has seen the number of people having their milk delivered massively decline. His most recent years have seen him delivering to just a third of the houses that he used to.

"It's all changed since I started," he said. "We used to use milk floats, now we drive wagons.

"The best bit has been the customers. Some of them are customers I've had for 41 years."

Mr Robson says he will not miss having to set his alarm for 1am every morning to pick up the milk before his round starts.

He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Margaret, three daughters and five grandchildren, and doing jobs around the house and garden.

Mrs Robson said: "He has loved being a milkman because he has enjoyed being out on a morning.

"He's had some lovely cards and messages from people."