A man who began his working life as an apprentice at an Eastbourne steelworks has ended it 50 years later as a director.

Rodney Fox has lived in the town all his life.

He joined the Hotchkiss company in December 1952 as an apprentice fitter.

When the steelwork business closed in 1972, he transferred to Hotchkiss Ductwork which manufactures and erects air conditioning and ventilation systems.

After many years in the installation department, which he later managed, Mr Fox became contracts manager and eventually operations director, a post he has held for the past 11 years.

Mr Fox, 65, has seen Hotchkiss become the leading player in its sector.

Its systems, manufactured on the Hampden Park Industrial Estate, are found in the Royal Opera House, Tate Modern, Canary Wharf and Glyndebourne Opera House, Mr Fox is highly respected throughout the industry because of his wide knowledge and his special interest in training.