During his career he has played a key role in community healthcare and was instrumental in planning the five new health centres across North Kirklees – including Cleckheaton and the Eddercliffe Centre in Littletown.

John, born and bred in Heckmondwike, began his career in 1966, training as a State Registered Nurse.

After a short spell as a staff nurse on a surgical ward, he became a community charge nurse – a position he held for 12 years.

After rising to the level of community nursing service manager he then took on the responsibility for all community health services on his local patch as locality manager.

His main objective was to bring about improved services by listening to what people said they needed and making sure there was greater co-ordination between the organisations involved.

As a result, John instigated the appointment of the area's first community diabetic and cardiac rehabilitation nurses.

In 2003 and working for North Kirklees Primary Care Trust (PCT) he joined the premises development team to help bring to fruition the plans for five new health centres. He played a key role in identifying the needs of the local community and managed the final commissioning of the buildings.

He remained within estates as three PCTs merged into Kirklees PCT in 2006 but he maintained his clinical interest by leading the local strategy group for the development of services for people with cardiac disease.

John was immensely proud of the new health centres and a framed photograph of Batley Health Centre was amongst his retirement presents from colleagues. Other gifts included crystal goblets.

David Henwood, head of Estates at Kirklees PCT, said: "John has been an incredibly loyal and hard working member of the NHS over the last 42 years. His knowledge of local communities' needs will be missed, as will his dedication to improving the premises from which services are delivered. We all wish John a long and happy retirement."

Passionate about cricket and promoting sport to young people, John has been involved with Heckmondwike Cricket Club for many years, as chairman of the committee. He is also a qualified umpire.

John still lives in Heckmondwike with his wife, Esther, who is also a nurse. The couple have two sons and a granddaughter.