Mercury correspondent Bryan Haylett, 85, has marked 40 years of reporting on village life in Bradwell.

And with a thoroughness that springs from his background in accounts he has kept a tally of all the reports he has submitted - amounting to almost 23,000 items.

From clubs to cricket, WI to charity feats Mr Haylett has involved himself in all areas of community life as the local news correspondent and says he still enjoys the role.

One of the Mercury’s longest serving contributors he is also one of horse racing’s most loyal patrons, having only missed one Yarmouth meeting since 1952.Bryan is originally from Caister where many of his family have been involved in the lifeboat - his great grandfather coining the famous ‘Never Turn Back’ motto. Mr Haylett has been married to Jean for 60 years. They have one daughter Tracy.