WE raise a glass today to Reg Buttress as he celebrates his 90th birthday tomorrow.

Mr Buttress, from Cwmbran, is a remarkable fellow. He has been working since he was 13 years old and has no plans to retire yet.

The Sainsbury's worker is described as a 'legend' by his bosses - and it is probably an accurate description.

A former colliery worker, steam train driver and rugby referee, Mr Buttress once cycled from Pontypool to Birmingham for work. It took him two days.

He says he wants to continue working for as long as he is able - and why shouldn't he?

Not everyone wants to work beyond retirement age and it is difficult to do so in some particularly physical professions.

But we see no reason why fit and active pensioners like Mr Buttress should not keep working.

Some might argue older people are taking up jobs that youngsters could have - but we think there is room for a wide variety of ages in the workplace.

Indeed, it could be argued that young people starting out in the world of work could learn a lot of life skills from people like Mr Buttress.

The 90-year-old comes from a generation that believes in working hard for a living.

Reg Buttress is a walking lesson for young people. We hope those who work with him take the opportunity to learn from him.