A MILKMAN who served customers in Ruislip for 42 years is retiring this Saturday.

Malcolm McQueen, 65, from Ashford in Middlesex, started working as a roundsman before becoming a rounds inspector and milk stock controller.

He started delivering milk 20 years ago and has served the same streets ever since, becoming a franchisee milkman in 1997.

His dedication to customers has never waned. Whatever the weather, Malcolm has left home by 11pm, started his round at midnight and delivered the last pint of milk by 6am, ensuring all his customers wake up to fresh milk for their morning cuppa.

He gets home at 8, just in time to make his wife breakfast before she goes to work. The whole routine begins again at 6pm, having just enough time to enjoy dinner with his wife before going to bed at 8!

Malcolm, who is based at the Dairy Crest milk&more Hillingdon depot, has two children, a step-daughter and five grandchildren.

He said: “At the moment, I see my wife for around three hours a day. Though I have enjoyed my days as a milkman, I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family, having time to put my feet up. The time is right for me to retire.”

Darren Moggridge, depot manager, said: “Malcolm is a role model for all milkmen. His dedication to ensuring all his customers have fresh milk on their doorstep in time for breakfast is honourable.

“While most people are deep in sleep, Malcolm is driving around the streets of Ruislip. He will be missed by everyone at the depot, but we have equally dedicated members of staff that will serve his round from next Monday.”