FORMER Earley mayor Andrew Bradley has retired from his role as operations manager at funeral directors A.B. Walker.

The funeral directors is one of Berkshire's oldest family businesses, and has been supporting bereaved families for nearly 200 years.

Mr Bradley, a 65 year-old grandfather, joined in 2010.

He said: "I was proud to work for A.B. Walker.

"They have a good reputation. I enjoyed the challenge of the role and working as part of a team.

"Throughout my life I have always found it rewarding to be able to help others."

Andrew also spent 30 years as a police officer for Thames Valley Police, working mainly in the traffic department.

He was mayor of Earley in 2009 and is a former borough councillor in Wokingham and a former town councillor for Earley.

A.B. Walker director Julian Walker said: "Andrew is well known in the community.

"He was a valued member of our team and upheld the finest traditions of our profession.

"We would like to wish him all the best for his retirement."

A.B. Walker is run by the fifth generation of the same family.

There are branches in Reading, Bracknell, Wokingham, Henley-on-Thames, Thatcham, Tilehurst, Caversham and Maidenhead.