TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving Torfaen supermarket worker who died months after retiring, aged 94.

Reg Buttress had worked for Cwmbran’s Sainsbury’s since 1981. He took a six-week ‘break’ when he retired in 1988 - but got bored and asked to go back.

As previously reported, he said his love for meeting people was his motivation to continue working well beyond retirement age, with a goal to “get out and enjoy life”.

Sainbury’s confirmed Mr Buttress had died, yesterday.

His son, Michael Buttress, described him as a “loving father, grandfather and great grandfather”, and life-long Pontypool rugby fan.

His grandson, David Buttress - the new chairman of the Dragons - also posted a tribute on Twitter.

He wrote: “Reg was a truly amazing man and inspiration to all of the Buttress clan. 

“Life won’t quite be the same without him, especially rugby but we have a million laughs and loving moments to remember with him.”

A popular figure at the supermarket, Mr Buttress retired in September - 82 years after he began his working life underground as a collier’s help.

He had several jobs, including with Singer Cars in Birmingham. He returned to Wales during the war when his accommodation was bombed.

He later became the driver of steam and diesel trains and subsequently worked for ICI until he was made redundant in 1979. 

After two years out of work, he joined Sainsbury’s aged 57, building a rapport with customers and regularly dressing up for charity.

Ben Black, of online blog Cwmbran Life, said: “I remember seeing Reg in the old Sainsbury’s store in Cwmbran in the early 1980s. 

“I would go shopping with my parents and he would always be there. I genuinely used to think he was Mr Sainsbury’s.”

Llantarnam ward councillor Alan Slade added: "He just put a smile on the face of everyone.”

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “Reg was a much-loved colleague and an inspiration to all of us. "Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time. 

"He will be missed.”