York's most famous street cleaner, Fred Stewart, was invited back to the company where he started his working life after he told a TV audience how they sacked him when he was only 17.

Retired cleaner Fred, 80, received the MBE after sweeping the streets of Heslington for 15 years and then hit the headlines again when he was featured on TV's This Is Your Life.

Fred spent most of his working life at Rowntree's, but it was his story on TV about his first job at Adams Hydraulics in York which inspired the visit.

Fred told millions of viewers how he started work at 14 on a seven-year apprenticeship but was sacked three years later for throwing an oily rag at another apprentice.

"He threw one first at me, I threw one back but I was unlucky because the old boss came through the door and saw me," said Fred.

Today's bosses at Adams decided it was time to let bygones be bygones and invite Fred along to their new base at Clifton Moor.

Fred, who was given a tour by director Peter Bryant, said he had enjoyed the visit very much.

"A lot had changed since my day, it's been 63 years since I worked there when it was at Peasholme Green, but I recognised three of the old machines," he said.

"The draughtsman's office was completely computerised and there's a big assembly line now."

Fred also met chairman Richard Wood and managing director Steve Kurnow.

Steve said: "It was a pleasure for us to entertain Mr Stewart.

"We hope he doesn't hold it against us and that today's visit has to some extent made amends for what we did."

Fred, who lives in Heathmoor Drive, Heslington, said: "There was nothing to make amends for - I was in the wrong - but I didn't shop the other lad."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.