CREDITON’s oldest paperboy, William Davey, known as Bill or Billy, has retired after 55 years of delivering newspapers in the town.

Bill was 18 years-old when he became a paperboy for Les Evans who ran the newsagents at the time. He then continued when the running of Evans Newsagents was taken over by Paul and Tara Conabeare.

Bill explained: “I’ve delivered newspapers seven-days-a-week for years and I didn’t want to give it up because it gets me up and out in the mornings.

“I’m now going to have a bit of a lie-in in the mornings before I do my housework.”

Bill has had a spate of illness and is also suffering from a problem with his knees.

Tara said: “We are sorry to see Bill go, he has been with us for a long time and his customers know him really well.

“People have often suggested that he give it up, but he wanted to continue.

“Unfortunately, he now doesn’t have a choice because of his health.”

Bill’s round has been taken over by a new paperboy.