HE delivered the concrete that formed part of some of the most major developments in the York area, but after 42 years the sun has set on his career. Ken Hudson, of Wilberfoss, near York, has retired after delivering about 98,000 cubic metres of concrete, clocking up an estimated one million miles in the process.

Towards the end of the 1960s, Ken, who always wanted to be a truck driver, delivered concrete for the bases of some of the electricity pylons between Osbaldwick, in York, and Hull.

Twenty-five years ago, Ken played his part in the construction of the former Selby coal field, and was one of the first to deliver concrete to the site.

In the late 1980s, the lorry driver transported concrete to Full Sutton Prison, near Pocklington, which was being built at the time.

The 64-year-old told how his most recent job was York College, in Sim Balk Lane, which stands on the site of the old Ashfield Secondary Modern School, which Ken attended as a boy.

Ken also had a hand in Asda, at Monks Cross Shopping Park, Morrisons, in Foss Islands Road, and the expansion of the University of York.

Ken revealed the sense of pride he felt when he thought about the developments he had helped to create.

“You’re driving by and you look at those things, like York College. You look at it and you think ‘I was delivering concrete to it,’” he said.

“It’s been a fascinating job that I did. I actually finished up owning my own truck – that was one step above being just a driver. In life, you set yourself standards to where you think you’re going to get to and owning my own truck was above what I’d expected really. As things have gone there have been a lot of good times.” Ken who is hoping to go on a cruise next year said he was still getting used to retirement, and it was enjoyable not having to get up early in the morning.

“I’m spending a bit more time with my grandchildren. I’ve got four,” said Ken.