A great-grandfather has become Britain’s oldest job seeker after trying to find employment – at the tender age of 86.
Walter Anderson is finding life “a tad boring” after a colourful career in the Army and the Met Police – and is now willing to face the ire of his wife by getting a job.
The retiree once guarded the Queen while in the army and led the Met Police surveillance team on notorious crook Kenneth Noye.
But now Walter, from Sheppey, Kent, is taking out an advert in his local paper because he wants something to do to keep him busy.
To keep life fresh, the dad-of-two, is offering his handyman services possibly making him Britain’s most senior job searcher,
Fighting fit Walter said: “There is only so much gardening a chap can do. Besides, I could do with the money.
“I don’t mind what it is. I can turn my hand to most things.
London-born Walter moved to the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, 16 years ago with his third wife Sandra.
He added: “I haven’t told my wife. She knows nothing of this.
“It will be a bit of a surprise for her.
“I don’t think she will like it.”
Walter had a long and interesting employment history, and hopes his time is not done yet.
He was called up for National Service after finishing school and later served as an infantryman with Royal East Kent Regiment, known as the Buffs, completing a tour of Egypt and even guarding the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
After being demobilised from the Army, Walter worked his way up to Detective Sergeant in the Metropolitan Police where he investigated notorious crook Kenneth Noye.
Noye fatally stabbed Detective Constable John Fordham – one of Walter’s undercover officers – while under house surveillance for allegedly smuggling gold in the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery.
After retiring from the police, Walter became an accident investigator interviewing witnesses, measuring roads and taking photographs of crashes.
The ex-serviceman, who has ditched his car but can still drive, is now awaiting job offers.