Beach cleaner Roger Newbury who was demoted to a seasonal worker and had a pay cut has been reinstated as a full-time worker.

Grandfather Mr Newbury, 56, was considering quitting the job he loves because he was finding it hard to manage on his wage after he was demoted by Serco, as we reported on kentishgazette.co.uk

Now the situation has been resolved and he is happy to continue keeping Whitstable’s beaches spick and span.

Mr Newbury, who lives in Bekesbourne, said: “People have been stopping me in the street to say how unfair they thought it was so I am more than pleased to be able to tell them that it has all worked out.”

Serco managers said the situation arose from a misunderstanding.

Environmental services manager Chris Sear said: “The local Serco team do an excellent job during a very busy period and in difficult circumstances and thoroughly deserve the praise they regularly receive from local members of the public.

“As a reputable employer, Serco are also committed to ensuring that all of our staff, including the seasonal staff that undertake the beach cleaning service at Whitstable, are provided with a good pay and benefits package.”

Both parties hope Mr Newbury will spend the winter working in Canterbury and will return to Whitstable for future summers.