The Briton ‘who has been working for past 43 years nonstop’

He’s still working full time at the town hall,and has no plans to retire.

“Of course there have been days when I’ve woken up and felt rough and could have done with a day in bed but I have always loved my job and I’ve never wanted to let my team down. It’s about making the effort.

“I suppose because my parents were of the war generation it was just instilled in me from a young age that you get up and go to work every day,no ifs or buts.

“It also helps that I eat healthily,I don’t smoke and my job involves me getting outside in the fresh air a lot so it all adds up. Perhaps I’m just lucky and have good genes,” he was quoted as saying.

Owen started his working life when he was just a boy,delivering papers around Southend,Essex,where he grew up.

He began work at Basildon Council in 1968 as a survey or making his way up the ladder to managerial positions over the years.

“I feel sorry for people who want to work but can’t or those who get made redundant,it must be devastating. I’m past retirement age now but I’m going to stay here as long as they will let me,” he said.

Chris White,Executive Director at Basildon Council,said: “Jim is a fine example of a committed and conscientious employee and he is an asset to the organisation.”