The chapel was set on fire by vandals in March 2005, putting it out of use, but has now had £39,630 worth of restoration work.

The town council increased the council tax bill last year to cover restoration costs – which included repainting the floors, new doors, and completely refitting the mortuary.

A special re-dedication service was held at the chapel, conducted by the Rev Jonathan Hustler, Methodist minister, and the Rev Alyson Buxton, vicar at St Mary’s Church in Horncastle.

John, who was pleased to be leaving on such a positive note, was given a photograph of the chapel.

“I will treasure that for the rest of my life. I think it’s absolutely lovely,” he said.

He was also presented with a microwave oven. His wife Patsy who died several years ago is buried at the cemetery.

After living on site he will now be moving out of the cemetery.

“It is a sad occasion, but also a happy occasion,” he said. “It’s happy because my wife, when she was alive, used to call in at the chapel, and to see it back to what it was after getting burnt so badly is magnificent. It’s sad because I shall miss the job, I shall miss meeting the public.”

When asked about his well deserved retirement plans, he said: “So many people when they retire they sit back but I am going to find hobbies and keep active.”

A new altar set was made in Horncastle, with metal work by Dave Burchall, a Horncastle craftsman, woodwork by Vic Atkinson, Horncastle wood turner, and designed by Horncastle’s Bob Wayne, with curtains by wife Ann.