ROYAL Naval steward, 'Big John' Palmer, has retired after 43 years service at the Dartmouth college his grandfather helped to build!

Together with his wife, Violet, he attended a VIP reception in the wardroom of the Britannia Royal Naval College to mark the occasion. He was presented with a picture, and then the couple were guests of honour at a lunch given by Commodore Roy Clare, the college's commanding officer.

Mr Palmer, known affectionately as 'Big John' at the college, joined BRNC when he was 18. During the years he has worked there he has seen many changes in the way the Royal Navy trains its officers. He has looked after hundreds of young recruits and says that he is used to high ranking officers visiting the college and seeking him out.

He remembered: 'Only recently I was told that a commander was asking for me. When I went to see him I discovered it was a young officer I first met many years ago. It is a bit difficult remembering them all, but I recognised this one.'

One officer he met in the early 1970s was a Sub Lt Roy Clare. Mr Palmer says it was really special for him when he came back to the college as Commodore Clare and would be the commanding officer when he retired.

Mr Palmer says he has a lot to thank the college for, not least of all that his romance with his wife started after a college Christmas dance.

Mr Palmer's family originate from East Allington, but his paternal grandfather moved them all to Dartmouth in 1902 when he obtained work as a builder for the new college.

He said that the college would always hold a special place in the hearts of the Palmer family.

There have been two weeks of celebrations for family and friends of the Palmers, who have all gathered to mark the retirement.

Son David, who lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three children arrived in Dartmouth for the round of parties.

Mr Palmer was presented with a barometer and vase with a crest of the college by his workmates.

Commodore Clare told those gathered at the retirement lunch that Mr Palmer had been a loyal and trusted member of the college staff for the past 43 years.

He said: 'He has earned himself the admiration and respect of all those past and present in the wardroom and all in the college wish him and Violet a long and very happy retirement.'

Mr Palmer says he now intends enjoy life and to carry on organising coach trips with his wife on behalf of the Royal British Legion.