A HAMPSHIRE ferry operator has thrown a party to honour a colleague who has been a part of the crew for the past 50 years.

Southampton resident Mike Andrews has celebrated more than 50 years of employment with Southampton to Cowes ferry operator, Red Funnel.

He first worked for the Town Quay firm in 1962 for a short while before joining the Royal Marines and serving abroad.

In 1965, he rejoined the company and has worked his way up through the ranks, holding different positions including working as a deck boy, able seaman and his current role, deck mate.

Mike said: “I’ve had a fantastic journey working for Red Funnel, but being a deck mate is the best job I’ve had. I have a great team to work with and being at a senior level means I can educate the younger people I work with all about the company and the history.

“So much has changed at Red Funnel over the past 50 years and it’s been a joy to see. The evolution of technology has really helped to shape the way we work, it’s improved safety across the business and means we can carry more people across the Solent than ever before."

“There’s been a lot of positive change and I’m looking forward to having a contribution to the team as the company relocates in Southampton to Trafalgar Docks over the next couple of years.”

As a long service gift, the company organised a fishing holiday on the Isle of Wight for Mike and his colleagues presented him with a clock from retired ferry MV Cowes Castle, which came into service the same year Mike returned to work for Red Funnel.

Shirley Anderson, HR director at Red Funnel, said: “Mike’s had such a positive impact on the whole team over his time here, and he’s a joy to work with." We’re very pleased to be celebrating this achievement with Mike and look forward to working with him in the future.”