Such was life 50 years ago when Darryl Starr started at The Border Morning Mail as part of a team of eight proofreaders who checked copy for mistakes.

The newspaper has since altered its name, been through the hands of 10 editors and shifted its main office and press from Albury to Wodonga.

Despite the changes, Mr Starr has adapted having swapped departments from production to advertising and has been the motoring writer for 47 years.

“As our slogan says ‘it’s a new world every day’ and that’s what I like that it is a new world every day and it’s challenging,” Mr Starr said.

“I’ve also liked the staff, it’s been full of good people and characters.”

Mr Starr, who started work at the age of 15 years and 11 months after leaving Albury North High School, still has a way to go to match printer Bill Porter who worked for The Border Morning Mail for 57 years from 1918 to 1975.

“I’ve no plans to retire just yet, but we’ll see what happens down the track,” Mr Starr told colleagues at yesterday’s morning tea in his honour.

The Border Mail manager David Bowring lauded Mr Starr’s dedication, saying 50 years of service was a “truly remarkable achievement”.

“Darryl you have a capacity to work and work and work,” Mr Bowring said.

“You rarely or never complain, you don’t get involved in office politics, you are in every sense your own man.

“It’s been a brilliant display of endurance, patience and hard work.”

Editor Di Thomas said it was unlikely such a milestone would be achieved again at the newspaper and advertising manager Craig Cleary said Mr Starr’s ability to cope with change was “an inspiration to all of us”.

Mr Starr has also received congratulations from Border V8 Supercars motor racing team BJR with Kim Jones emailing his best wishes.

“You have achieved a great deal and provided a great service to the local community and your employer over all the years,” Mr Jones wrote.

“I’m sorry that I could not be there to celebrate this special day, maybe I can be there to celebrate your 60th year.”