HE was the union convenor who saved Govan shipyard from closure with two days to spare.

GMB member Jamie Webster spent three decades standing up for workers on the Clyde, but today he will walk out of the yard which he has dedicated his life to as he begins his retirement.

Starting out as a young apprentice welder in 1966, Jamie went on to be a key figure in the battle to save the yard in 1999.

When then-owners Kvaerner pulled out, the shipyard was facing closure, until workers mounted a tough campaign.

A takeover by BAE Systems was secured and it was later announced the yard had won a share in a £3 billion MoD contract for two aircraft carriers.

Jamie greeted that news as "the best job security in 20 years."

He said: "The highlight of my career was the 1999 campaign. The workers fought a fantastic struggle against all odds to keep shipbuilding on the Clyde. I'll never forget that.

"The biggest source of pride was when people come up to me afterwards and thanked me for saving their jobs.

"I'm also very proud that, on the day I retire, there are still young apprentices walking into the yard with a career ahead of them.

"It fills me with hope for the future and I'm very pleased that I had a part in that."

Jamie, awarded an MBE in the 2004 Queen's New Year Honours list, got involved in the trade union movement after seeing another famous Clydesider rally the troops.

He added: "I was inspired by Jimmy Reid when I was only 20.

"He made me become an active trade unionist to protect people in the workplace and I've done my very best at that."

Jamie met colleagues yesterday for a pint and a pub lunch and will bid a final farewell to the shipyard today.

He said: "I've had a long career and I have no regrets. I won't be sad when I walk out of the yard for the last time, I'll be reflective. It's been a fantastic journey for me."

In a statement released by "employees of Govan shipyard," the union man was described as an inspiring convenor.

They said: "His passion for Clyde shipbuilding is legendary and it was principally his never-say-die spirit that led the workforce through the trauma of almost certain closure under Kvaerner in 1999.

"Determined, resilient, unifying and inspirational are just some of the credits that have been bestowed on him and if ever a person earned an MBE it was Jamie.

"His leadership in the most difficult of times was always exceptional yet he was not of a firebrand nature, more a man prepared to stand up and fight for his industry and the workers in determined yet pragmatic fashion. He was a man of reason."

His colleagues remember him most fondly for his leadership as closure loomed.

They said: "One day among many depicts Jamie as a natural leader when on July 10 1999, when Govan shipyard stood two days away from closure, he addressed the workforce and told them to keep believing, echoing that 'the show is not over until the fat lady sings, she is still in the dressing room, let's keep her there'.

"That very evening, against all the odds, we got a new owner and we are still building ships fifteen years on.

"What an achievement. What a result for total commitment and belief, two attributes in Jamie's DNA. His contribution to Clyde shipbuilding and ordinary working people was immense."

Jamie's GMB comrade, Jim Moohan, chairman of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, also paid tribute to his "commitment" to the yard.

He said: "Jamie was resolute in his determination through the years that Govan would continue as a working operation and was not fearful of treading on any political toes to secure the future of the yard.

"He leaves a long-standing legacy which indicates communication, understanding and partnership can retain an industry if those in the position of power either in government or business are willing to listen to an undeniable history of those in experience which Jamie believed gave them the right to survive long term."

Jamie will now spend more time with his wife, three children and seven grandchildren.

"I'll have a lot to occupy myself with the family but I still want to contribute to society," he said.

"I've got something to offer and it's a matter of finding my next port of call.

"I'd like to go into colleges and universities and talk to students about the trade unions and the workplace.

"I won't be sitting back. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

"I will continue to speak up for the industry and for trade unions.

"I'll defend the industry until my dying breath."

Jamie's former boss, Mick Ord, the managing director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, said he had been a "tremendous asset to our business and the wider shipbuilding industry."

He said: "We would like to thank Jamie for his passion and unwavering commitment over the years.

"We wish him all the very best for his retirement and future endeavours."