ONCE dubbed the UK’s most qualified gasman, Alan Payne has retired from the profession after 33 years.

Mr Payne, 65, started up his Wickford-based business, Alan’s Heating Services, in 1984 and has served customers in south Essex from Shoebury to the M25.

He has been in the game so long, that his Gas Safe number - which is given to all qualified gas engineers - is 118, meaning he is only the 118th person to acquire one.

Now in the tens of thousands, Mr Payne said he people are often surprised by how low his number is. He said: “Sometimes when I give over my Gas Safe number they don’t believe me. They have to type zero in front of it as their system only allows a minimum of four digits.”

Mr Payne, who has had a knee replacement, is retiring from the business as he is struggling with all the heavy lifting required in his job.

But he has not given up the business and has handed the baton over to his son, Jamie, 37.

Although Alan allowed Jamie to change the name, his son wanted to keep it.

Alan added: “I want to say thank you to all my loyal customer and I hope you remain loyal to Jamie.”