AFTER more than 30 years running a Forest youth club, Andy Barrow was hoping to bow out quietly.

But the youngsters and his friends at Bream junior youth club were having none of that – although it took a bit of subterfuge to get him along for a surprise party.

His son James told him he needed a hand at the club based in the West Dean Centre.

So when Andy walked into the darkened room to be greeted by party poppers and a big welcome, he had a pair of heavy duty gloves in his hand.

The children sang him a ‘thank you’ song and the keen golfer was presented with gifts made by the youngsters and Ruth Julius, who has taken over at the helm, presented him with golf vouchers.

Andy was the village bobby in Bream and took over running the Monday night club for junior school children about 33 years ago, although nobody can remember exactly when.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here but I’m 70 now and Ruth is happy to take over so it’s time to step down.

“I was the policeman in Bream, and the youth club was a way for local families to get to know me and me to get to know them.”

Ruth said: “We felt Andy’s amazing commitment and long service should not go without being recognised so we organised a surprise party.”

The party was organised by Ruth and assistants Sandie Gibbs, Angus Crick and Elisha Priestley.