SOUTHAMPTON’S Westquay shopping centre has changed a lot since it first opened 17 years ago.

More restaurants and retailers have come in, coupled with the unveiling of Westquay South late last year.

Nobody is more familiar with these alterations than the first customer ever to walk through the centre’s doors in September 2000.

Not only was he the first person to visit the newest addition to Southampton’s city centre, but he hasn’t missed a day since.

Now, 81-year-old Terence Carpenter has been given a Westquay Lifetime Award award after visiting for nearly 6,000 consecutive days.

Terence has made the trip to Westquay for 5,986 days between the grand opening and May 8, when receiving his award.

On May 5, the former hospitality worker from Lordshill was given the award before a celebratory meal inside restaurant Bill’s.

Terence said he makes daily visits to the centre because he feels safe and secure, with the staff making him feel welcome.

The Westquay regular, who has run 80 marathons and triathlons in his lifetime, said his favourite places to visit are John Lewis and the Waterstones café.

He has been a Southampton resident for 40 years and was born in Leeds, with the recognition coming for his relationships with the different retailers as well as for his committed daily visits.

Westquay’s general manager Andy Collyer said: “Terence has very much become part of the Westquay family since it opened, and we were more than happy to show our appreciation to him.

“It was a wonderful day, and I want to say a big thank you to Bill’s restaurant for hosting us, and helping make the award a success.”