He was also the last of a line of six in his family who had worked for a total of almost 200 years for the Prudential Assurance Company.

For generations of customers in Great Yarmouth, Leslie Rivett, who has died peacefully aged 99, was known as the “The Man from the Pru.”

He was also the last of a line of six in his family who had worked for a total of almost 200 years for the Prudential Assurance Company.

And in 1965, he was a guest of honour at a dinner for 400 members of staff at London's Grosvenor Hotel. As the Prudential's “star” agent, he was recognised for his “outstanding contribution” to the company.

His grandfather, Daniel, started the link with the Pru in the middle years of the 19th century, which was known up and down the country for weekly, fortnightly and monthly insurance collections.

Mr Rivett, formerly of Pine Close, Ormesby, who retired after 41 years, had followed his father, grandfather and two great uncles, into the insurance business. They were the longest-serving family to work for the Prudential, which dates from 1826.

Born in Yarmouth, he went to Stradbroke Road School, Gorleston. About three years ago, he was invited as the oldest pupil to join the celebration of the school's foundation.

He had served in the RAF and was demobbed in 1946 and then returned to work for the Pru. His scrupulous collection records also included notes for colleagues who took over his duties during holidays, such as “beware of barking dog.”

He retired in June 1970, aged 59, when he was given the opportunity to take early retirement ahead of decimalisation in February 1971. For the next three years, he worked at the Britannia Pier but then decided to enjoy an active retirement.

He had married a Yarmouth girl, Gladys, and in 2002 they were sent a 70th wedding anniversary by the Queen. They were actually married for more than 75 years.

He leaves a daughter, Yvonne, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His wife, Gladys, predeceased.

A funeral service will be held at Gorleston Crematorium on Monday, March 1, at noon.