A brewery stalwart who rose through the ranks to head up Greene King's health and safety efforts has retired.

Peter Ebbens was born and raised in Suffolk and spent 46 years with the Bury St Edmunds-based company, which he joined at the age of 18 in 1978.

He started out in the wine bottling hall - which is currently the brewery's distribution centre in town.

His brother was already working there - and he secured his role thanks to his family connection. It was very common at the time for lots of members of the same family working at the brewery.

Peter met his future wife, Sue, the Friday before he started his job and they married two years later.

Sue went on to join Greene King and has also recently celebrated 25 years in the business.

Peter worked in the bottling hall and the warehouse before applying for a job on the drays - the brewery delivery team. 

He took his LGV driving test and became a driver for the next 11 years. By 1992 he had risen to the rank of foreman in the transport office and then supervisor, visiting Biggleswade brewery for his induction training.

In 2004, he joined the health and safety department as a manual handling trainer. He trained employees across the depots and in offices on correct manual handling techniques.

From there he was appointed health and safety manager - covering all areas of the brewing and distribution division in England and at Belhaven Brewery and distribution sites across Scotland.

During his tenure, Greene King secured many RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) gold awards - the top industry awards for safety excellence.

 “I look back with fond memories of my time at Greene King," said Peter.

I enjoyed being on the drays, although it was hard work, as we would have to rope and sheet everything to keep the goods dry and safe on the vehicle. That’s not how it’s done now, of course.

“I also loved managing the health and safety team as it grew considerably over time, and it was great to really have an impact on the business by keeping people safe and doing our bit to look after the environment.

“It has been a pleasure to work at Greene King for the last 46 years and I will miss it dearly.

"My wife, Sue, still works at Greene King and I am sure she’ll keep me up to date with everything. I have seen many changes over my 46 years’ service and seen it develop into the business that it is today and I am proud of that.”

Director of brewing and brands Matt Starbuck congratulated Peter on his retirement - and his lifetime of service.

“We are incredibly privileged to have had Peter work with us here at the brewery and see the passion and commitment he has had for Greene King over the years," he said.

“It is incredible to see his journey through the business and he will be missed by a lot of people. We wish him all the best with whatever his retirement plans include and he’s always welcome back at the brewery for a visit whenever he wishes.”