THEY say you're only as good as your last job.

If that's true, then Gary Falkingham must be a very happy man.

Gary, site supervisor during the Midland's £11million restoration, retired this week after staying on past the age of 65 to see his final job through to the very end.

Now the father of Urban Splash's co-founder Jonathan Falkingham and stepfather of Midland architect Miles Falkingham says he's looking forward to putting his feet up after two years of hard slog on the Midland site.

Bradford-born Gary was given a big send-off by Urban Splash on Saturday night at the Midland when they threw a retirement party in his honour.
He now hopes to stay in the Morecambe area, having fallen in love with the town and the surrounding area like many of his former work colleagues.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working here," said Gary.

"There's been so much interest in the Midland Hotel it's made me feel proud all the time I've been here – to think I've been a part of helping Morecambe.

"It was a lovely way to end my career.

"Now the next time I'll be at the Midland will be through the front door!"