'I'm Britain's oldest worker - I'm 98 and doing my job keeps me young' - watch below

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Watch Ivor Ward discuss the happiness he finds in his work and socialising with colleagues.

Britain’s oldest worker has no plans to retire at the age of 98 and says his job “keeps me young”.

Ivor Ward still clocks on four days a week as a production operative at health company EM Pharma.

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He started work at the firm when he was 80 following a career which included jobs in the army and being a professional poker player. Ivor retired when he was 79 but only managed one day before he got "so bored" he went job-hunting and joined EM Pharma.

The sprightly pensioner, who celebrated his 98th birthday last month, has lived alone for over 30 years since his wife Joyce died aged 63. 

Ivor, from Rothley, Leicestershire, said: “I know so many people who just end up sitting at home all day. Now at the weekends we have parties with the younger people. We drink, dance and create mayhem. I play poker and have a quiz. It’s like being at home with the family when I’m working.”

Ivor Ward, 98, at work in EM Pharma.Ivor Ward, 98, at work in EM Pharma.
Ivor Ward, 98, at work in EM Pharma. | Joseph Walshe / SWNS

Ivor, who has four great-great-grandchildren, says he intends to carry on working until he reaches 100 when he plans to have a gap year travelling the world playing poker.

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He said: “I’m happy here. In two years when I’m 100 I'll have a gap year. Then I’ll come back. I have been around the world gambling so I'd like to visit the popular casinos again. End up skint or end up rich. Either is fine with me.”

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