A HILLINGDON-based milkman will complete his final round tomorrow (Saturday) after 40 years of service.

John Hughes, 65, who lives at Southall, has worked from Milk and More’s Long Lane depot since February 11, 1974.

Each week, he delivers approx 400 gallons of milk to his patch, which covers around 400 households in the Greenford and Southall areas.

In the run up to his last day, he received presents and cards from customers, many of whom he has come to know well over the years.

He said: “I call them my friends. Most of them are lovely people and they’ve become a big part of my life.”

When he first started out, he used to deliver milk with the help of his two daughters, Tanya and Melanie, who, John admits, can’t believe he’s finally retiring.

Family, friends and colleagues will be joining him at the Hambrough Tavern, Southall, tomorrow to mark his big day.

Though he says he’s feeling good about having some time off, John admits it might take a while to get used to the idea of not running around.

He said: “I’ll probably get a part-time job to keep me busy.”