A HARD-working volunteer who has spent the last 30 years keeping the hands of time turning in Wangford has proved he has no intention of slowing down.At 82, Eric Stockdale is still as keen as ever to continue his role winding up the clock at Wangford church, and the twice-weekly trip up the clock tower's 32 steps has served to keep him fit and agile.

A HARD-working volunteer who has spent the last 30 years keeping the hands of time turning in Wangford has proved he has no intention of slowing down.

At 82, Eric Stockdale is still as keen as ever to continue his role winding up the clock at Wangford church, and the twice-weekly trip up the clock tower's 32 steps has served to keep him fit and agile.

Even in the bad weather, the clock at St Peter and St Paul's Church was chiming correctly and Mr Stockdale said it had not been any more than two minutes out of time in the last 30 years.

Mr Stockdale, who used to live and work on the nearby Henham estate and is a keen gardener, said: 'It's just a job I've got used to carrying out, and now I do it as a matter of course.

'I was asked years ago whether I'd wind up the clock, and I said I was happy to do it for the good of the village so since that day I've never been paid.

'I enjoy doing it though, and at my age I consider myself very lucky to be able to do all that I do. For about 25 years I was the sole winder, now another fellow who is about half my age has volunteered to help as well which is good because they'll need a replacement when I pass on.'