THE manager of Newport’s Fourteen Locks Canal Centre who steered it through an arson attack and the recession is retiring after eight years.

Phil Hughes, 66, has been involved with the canal centre as a committee member for 25 years and has run it for eight.

Staff at the centre held a surprise retirement party on Friday for Mr Hughes as a thank you for all his work over the years.

Tom Maloney, volunteer coordinator at the centre, said: “He’s been instrumental in making it a successful place in many ways.

“It’s very important to the community and it’s a huge tourism attraction for Newport.”

The centre suffered £70,000 worth of damage and lost half its building when it was targeted by arsonists in 2011.

But Mr Maloney said the former manager “steered it through some really difficult times and made sure it’s continued to offer a valuable community service”.

Mr Hughes was presented with a painting, commissioned by local artist Alun Edwards, and Liberal Democrat peer Lord German arrived at the celebrations.

Mr Hughes said: “It’s been wonderful, a total surprise and I had no idea it was happening.

“My kids told me they were taking me out this afternoon. It wasn’t till I got round the corner and we pulled in I realised what was happening. It was really nice.

“Not many people get paid to do their hobby so it’s been an absolute joy every day.

“Highlights have been the events we have done for the kids – pirate days and heritage days.

“The support we had after the arson attack when we lost half the building in 2011, it was at that point I realised we were at the heart of the community.”

Mr Hughes, who has two granddaughters, said he plans to spend a lot more time with them during his retirement.