He has spent more than 40 years at one of Hampshire's biggest industrial sites - and even turned up for work on his wedding day.

Richard Cooper is renowned for his unwavering commitment to his role at Fawley refinery, which occupies a 3,250-acre site on the western shores of Southampton Water.

The 59-year-old unit supervisor has worked at the huge petro-chemical complex since he provided holiday cover there in 1983.

Since then he has dedicated his working life to the manufacture of butyl rubber, earning the nickname “Mr Butyl” from his colleagues.

Daily Echo: Richard Cooper, 59, has worked at Fawley refinery for more than 40 yearsRichard Cooper, 59, has worked at Fawley refinery for more than 40 years (Image: ExxonMobil Fawley)

Former butyl polymers manager Chris Ellis, who worked with Richard for ten years, joked: "If you cut Richard in half, he would have 'butyl' written down the middle.”

Business team leader Simon Nunn added: "Richard has been a constant at ExxonMobil Fawley, always there to support when needed.

"During our £60m butyl investment project last year, Richard was in the thick of, positively influencing and leading his team as always. We hope he will continue to do so for some years to come."

Richard, of Hythe, even turned up for work on his wedding day in 1993.

Daily Echo: Richard Cooper, 59, has worked at Fawley refinery for more than 40 yearsRichard Cooper, 59, has worked at Fawley refinery for more than 40 years (Image: ExxonMobil Fawley)

He said: "My wedding wasn’t until the afternoon, so when an urgent request for support came in I went to the site and applied my expertise to address the situation.

"After everything was sorted, I headed back home to shower and put my suit on. Safe to say, I made it to my wedding in good time, much to the relief of my wife.

“I’ve seen so many changes throughout my years and am proud to have implemented several improvements to the site which are still in place today.

"My advice to future workers is to remain loyal to your company and the work you do.

"Everybody at ExxonMobil Fawley is treated the same, so come in every day with a smile on your face and work hard. You’ll soon reap the benefits of being part of a fantastic team.”

Site manager Nick Bone thanked Richard for four decades of loyal service.

He said: “Richard has made an incredible contribution.  It’s great to hear praise from his managers and peers, and to learn more about how he has helped us improve how we do things."