A Dundee housing officer is set to be commended for his 25 years of service with Bield Housing & Care at this year’s annual general meeting.

Kenny Ayre, 53, will be acknowledged for his years of service and contribution to enriching the lives of older people at Bield’s AGM today in Edinburgh.

A craftsman gardener and tree surgeon by trade, Kenny joined Bield after an injury forced him to change his career path. He originally worked as a development manager in Glasgow, before taking secondment roles as a housing officer, leading him into his current position.

Kenny, who is from Glasgow himself, said: “When I originally saw the job advertised, I thought to myself that it would do for a while, but here I am a quarter of a century later.

“I volunteered when I was younger in care, which got me interested. However, I also helped my mother look after my gran when she was ill, which again gave me an interest in the field.

“I really love being a housing officer. I get to deal with both tenant and staff issues. My job keeps me very busy.

“Bield has really helped with my training too. I did a HNC in Social Care with their help back in the day and I’m currently studying for my Level 5 Diploma with the Chartered Institute of Housing.”

When he isn’t keeping busy at work, Kenny takes part in a variety of different activities to keep him active, including hillwalking, jogging and extreme paintballing.

He said: “I try to keep active, I’m not one to sit on the couch and watch TV. I need to be up and moving.”