A WORKER who has spent more than three decades working for a Chard-based coal firm has been rewarded by his workmates.

Die-hard Bristol City fan Tony Wall has racked up 35 years working for CPL Distributions in many roles for the firm, which has changed ownership numerous times, but has become part of the furniture for the company.

He has had a long and distinguished career, and has seen many changes at the coal firm.

Mr Wall started as a fresh-faced apprentice on the YTS Scheme with Snows of Glastonbury on November 2, 1981, as a credit controller, and he was appointed full-time just two months later.

Bradford and Sons then bought the company in 1984, and sold the coal part off to Charrington's Coal Merchants in 1990, when he was then promoted to relief managed.

He then moved from Glastonbury to Gillingham in Dorset, where he was promoted to depot manager and in 1994, Charringtons was then bought out by CPL Distribution.

He was transferred to Bridgwater, before being transferred to Chard in 2002 as depot manager, before being promoted as hub manager in 2015 for the Chard and Oxford plant, and last year, was made the hub manager of Chard and Redruth after CPL Distribution bought out Rudrum's and Sons

He marked his 35th anniversary on January 20, 2017, and was presented with a special Bristol City shirt with the number 35 on the back, in a nod to his passion for the Robins, by regional manager Barry Gray.

Mr Gray said: "Tony is a hardworking, dedicated family man. I could not ask more of Tony then he gives this company.

Chris Franklin, one of Mr Wall's colleagues, said: "It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to work with Tony and I feel sure that anyone who has would say exactly the same.

"That Tony has spent 35 years with the same company speaks volume about the kind of man he is, loyal, knowledgeable and hardworking.

"In the often pressurised environment of a busy working depot, Tony always remains an oasis of calm, able to stay focused on meeting the needs of the customer.

"I have learned much from Tony, not just about the coal industry and transport management, but also about what really matters. i.e. family, loved ones and football!

"Tony always says ‘Family comes first’ and it is this quality I admire the most in him.

"Tony and his sons share a true passion for the beautiful game and for their beloved Bristol City. His dedication to following City and the joy (and more often than not pain!) he experiences as a result are the stuff of legend."