‘LIFE begins at 40’ is a phrase Paul Harrison is well used to hearing.

For the 63-year-old general manager at Mecca Bingo in St Helens, pictured right, has lived and breathed bingo for the past 40 years.

He has worked throughout the country, from Bournemouth to Blackpool, and even stepped into the caller’s role to keep 200 players happy during a four day QE2 voyage to New York.

He was Mecca’s manager of the year in 1996, opened two clubs in Blackpool and chaperoned Mecca customers in Bermuda.

Mecca area manager Mike Sime acknowledged Paul’s long term commitment: “It’s amazing for anyone to work at the same company for 40 years.

“To be able to have someone with his wealth of knowledge and experience as part of the team is fantastic.”

Manchester born Paul has no plans to retire just yet.

“It’s different every day, whether you’re working with staff or customers. I love the personable and social side of the business,” said the father-of-four.

“As long as you enjoy it, you stay in it.”