A CHIMNEY sweep may be forced into retirement after 62 years if his van fails an MOT.

But Ben Williamson, 82, of Rolls Park Road in Chingford, is held in such high regard by his customers that they have offered to drive him to appointments if his 26-year-old vehicle is not declared roadworthy next month.

The sweeper said he has gone through very hard times as the profession suffered with the introduction of gas fires, but insists he would not want any other job in the world.

"I hope the van goes through because I love this job," he added.

"It's been hard work but meeting people is the best part of it and it gives huge satisfaction.

"It's been a real privilege. I come out to people now who were just babies when I was hired by their great-grandparents years ago. It's lovely to see them go off and have their own families."

He started out working 12-hour days with his father at the age of 20, visiting households every six weeks.

The pair would sweep the flues using nylon bass brushes on malacca cane rods, which would last just a week. Though the equipment is now all made of longer-lasting nylon, the process is much the same.

"I set up my dust sheet and send the brush up the chimneys - some of my customers rush outside for the novelty of seeing the brushhead poke out of the top of the chimney," Mr Williamson said.

"I only do a few jobs a week now. The business changed a lot with gas fires around 40 years ago - they devastated the trade. But now it's started coming back. People see it as rustic to have a wood-burning fire."

The great-grandfather, who celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary last week with wife Betty, said he was overwhelmed by his customers' offers to drive him to their homes. Though he has had some strange requests down the years.

"I've been asked to go to weddings in the past, as chimney sweeps are meant to be good luck for fertility. I've never gone but I have five children so there must be something to it," he said.

"It's very touching, it's nice they appreciate you. You become a family friend to these people, it's more than just a profession. I couldn't have earned a living without my wife though, she takes all the orders that keep me going."

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