A FLINTSHIRE man, aged 88, has retired after a long and dedicated voluntary service to good causes. 

Ieuan Jones has been volunteering at Flintshire Foodbank and other local charities, including Nightingale House Hospice, for the past 11 years. 

The former physics teacher found solace in helping others after losing his wife. 

On Friday, at St David's Church hall in Mold - a farewell party was held by Flintshire Foodbank for him. 

"My entire life has been spent working in laboratories, so it's no surprise that I've become rather keen on weighing things," Ieuan joked. 

"The thing that will stay with me is the looks of immense gratitude on the people's faces when they received their food. They went away heavily laden (with bags), but lighter in spirit.

"I've loved every minute here and everywhere I've volunteered. It's been an honour and a privilege and I've made friends for life."

Thought by many to be one of the country's oldest food bank volunteers, Ieuan will now enjoy a very well-earned retirement watching his beloved Wrexham AFC. 

"It's been fantastic seeing what Rob and Ryan have done for the club," he said. 

"The club has been completely transformed and I can't wait to see what the future holds. The sky is the limit."

Sue Leake, manager of Flintshire Foodbank, said: "Ieuan did so much for the food bank, not just by working here - but by spreading the good word of our service. 

"We're going to miss him tremendously and we wish him a very long and happy retirement."

Ieuan was also a dedicated volunteer for Nightingale House Hospice. In 2019, he and other volunteers raised £1,300 for the hospice through a carol service, Christmas fair and coffee morning.

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