A man who has worked at the same company for four decades said he has never had reason to look elsewhere.

Andy Hills, from Shoreham, has worked at UK Power Networks for 40 years as a first responder and trouble-shooter at the scene of power cuts across Sussex.

He joined the company in 1983 on a youth training scheme and was offered a permanent role.

He then progressed in the company and started working as a highly-skilled cable jointer on low voltage, 11,000-volt and 33,000-volt cables.

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Andy, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary at the company this year, said: "The job always appealed to me, and I've had good management, so there was no reason to leave or look elsewhere.

"It's been a good living. The job is so varied, working outdoors every day in different places, meeting the public and sorting out issues.

"If I can fix it, all well and good, and if it requires a cable jointing or lines team to take over from me, I arrange that and progress the job."

Andy, 57, also played a big role in 2012 during the London Olympics, where he worked shifts taking care of the power network.

Andy Hills started with the company on a youth programme (Image: UK Power Networks)

Andy said: "My highlight was working shifts looking after the electricity network on the Olympic Park.

"It was a big area to cover on foot and we checked every substation on every shift."

Andy, who has good friendships in the workplace, said: "My son Ashley Hills works here as a linesperson and has been here 10 years.  I have made lifelong friends through the company and go skiing with three friends I met through work that have now retired.”

Outside of work, Andy volunteers as an elf on the Santa Bus in Brighton and Hove to raise funds for charities in the area.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: "As an organisation that strives to be an employer of choice, we are delighted that many of our employees stay with us for their whole career.

"More than 300 employees have completed 40 or more years of continuous service, and it is a pleasure to annually recognise their contribution to the electricity industry."