LOYAL service comes naturally to Captain Fred Jones, who enjoyed the VIP treatment at the weekend.

He celebrated 40 years service in the army, after beginning his career in the Loyal Regiment.

From his early days as a cadet, aged 13, at Fletcher Street Barracks in Bolton, Capt Jones has devoted his life to the army and its cadet force.

A special dinner was held in his honour on Saturday to mark his retirement in style.

More than 80 guests, including Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon, attended the celebrations, held in the Drill Hall of Nelson Street Barracks, Bolton.

It was hosted by Major Lindsay Forbes, Battery Commander at Nelson Street Territorial Army Unit. Capt Jones was presented with a selection of retirement gifts, including a copy of a painting which hangs on the barracks wall.

The huge painting, seen in the officers' mess, depicts a battle scene from 1811.

The scaled-down cavalry print now takes pride of place in Capt Jones' Little Lever home, where he lives with wife, Anne.

Capt Jones did his National Service as a teenager and soon became a training instructor at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

During the 1950s, he spent three years serving in the Malayan jungle before returning to Bolton as a cadet instructor.

He has since seen hundreds of youngsters pass through the training school.

Capt Jones, who was commissioned as an officer in 1971, said: "My army service has been very rewarding. The army and cadets did a lot for me, and this gave me the chance to put something back."

As well as his devotion to the cadet movement, he has served as a volunteer for Victim Support, the organisation that helps victims of crime.

And he will continue his involvement with Bolton Royal Artillery Association after his retirement.

Capt Jones was stumped for an answer when he was asked about the most memorable point of his career.

He said: "Everything really has been a pleasure."

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