Walter Wille was not prepared for the wrath of a jealous goose when he signed up to be a park attendant almost 20 years ago.

A simple love of nature and gardening had prompted a change of career, having previously worked as a storeman at Preston Barracks in Brighton.

But when Walter had to flee the hissing beak of Huffy the goose, after he got just a little too close to Huffy's other half, he began to think he was getting more than he bargained for.

Retiring yesterday, after reigning over Queen's Park for 16 years, plus time serving Preston Park and the Level, Walter, and friends who know him as Wally, reflected on his years serving the community, both animal and human.

Ann Wilton has been going to the park every day for six years to feed the animals.

She said: "I even come down on Christmas Day.

"I started off just feeding the squirrels but then Walter introduced me to the geese in the pond and, now they have got to know me, I have to feed them all.

"It's a great shame that Walter's retiring."

Walter will miss working at the park and plans to carry on visiting his flock.

He said: "I have loved the job. I have enjoyed speaking to all the different characters who come here."

One particular experience Walter may want to forget is when he fell in the pond after wading in to rescue some birds in distress.

He said: "Even in the cold and rain of winter I still enjoyed myself, although it was hard work during the 1987 hurricane when there were trees and debris everywhere."

Urban ranger Clifford Craggs has worked with Walter at Queen's Park for the entire time.

He said: "Wally is very popular with residents and users of the park. He always works with a smile on his face."

Walter plans to spend more time with his 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.