Former soldier who got job in cafe age 89 to end his boredom dies aged 91... months after his retirement

A military veteran who got a job as a waiter aged 89 after placing an advert in a local paper saying he was "bored" has died at the age of 91.

Joe Bartley became an internet sensation after he took up the role at the Cantina Kitchen and Bar in Paignton, Devon, in December 2016.

The pensioner, who retired in March, said the job had sated his ennui.

Today the cafe paid tribute to the ex-serviceman, saying "he was a breath of fresh air for us all".

Cantina director Barry George told the Standard: "He was a wonderful character who will be sadly missed. He was a breath of fresh air for us all, it's a very sad day."

The cafe director said Mr Bartley had loved his work, adding that he would have come back if not for "doctor's orders".

He continued to visit Cantina for a pint or "six chips and a little fish" after he retired, Mr George said.

Mr George added: "He had his own family here with all of us. He knew all the staff by name."

He added that Mr Bartley had been "a great friend" to everyone at Cantina, describing him as "full on fun" with a "great sense of humour".

The pensioner landed the job in 2016 after posting the plea in the Herald Express.

He told the BBC he felt lonely after his wife Cassie died two years earlier.

When he retired he said the job had made him "feel like a working man again".

The cafe shared the news in a post on Facebook, which garnered dozens of responses as customers shared their condolences for the "lovely gentleman".