A GRAVEDIGGER has treated himself to a new spade to mark 30 years of service in Northwich’s cemeteries.

Simon Ashbrook has also chosen to commemorate the landmark by giving something back to the public he has served faithfully for more than half his life.

The Rudheath man, who turns 50 next month, has not only bought a new spade and engraved it with ‘30 years service Northwich Town Council’, he has also bought a marble vase for a baby girl’s grave in Witton Cemetery.

“I wanted to do something for a member of the public in the cemetery at Witton,” he said.

“So I have had a marble vase done with some engraving - the lady that I chose was over the moon.

“She lost her baby, a daughter, in 1985.”

Simon contacted two mums in the run-up to his anniversary but only received one reply.

“I only did one vase because I didn’t hear from the other lady, I don’t want her to think I’d left her out,” he said.

“I’m 50 as well this year and I just wanted to do something for people to say thank you to the public.

“I care about the public in general and do a lot for the community.”

As well as working in Witton and Dane Valley Cemeteries, owned and run by Northwich Town Council, Simon is a voluntary gardener at Middlewich Road Surgery and can often be found helping his neighbours.

He said: “It’s what it’s all about - I really care about people and if I can help them I help them.”

In the run up to his 30th year, Simon also commissioned a series of tattoos over his arms and chest.

With heaven and earth themes, the tattoos are his unique way of paying his respects to the dead.

He was recognised for long service by Northwich Town Council five years ago.

He said: “The clock that I was rewarded with for my 25 years of service is still ticking away - where does the time go?

“I would like to thank David Dutton who works with me in the cemetery and who’s worked with me for 17 years now.

“And a big thank you to all the Northwich Town Council staff as we all work as a good team.”