Surely, 94-year-old Saul Magrill is the oldest man in property? Cardiff-based Mr Magrill, who started his career 77 years ago, still works part-time as a commercial property consultant at Chris John & Partners.

He has worked and formed friendships with some of the industry's most illustrious players, including; Sir John Ritblat, the former chairman of British Land; Tesco founder Sir Jack Cohen, and Heron International's Gerald Ronson - who have all paid tribute to Mr Magrill's professionalism.

"What pleases me the most is that I am told I am an example to the property industry," Mr Magrill, the father-in-law of JC columnist and Daily Mail City editor Alex Brummer, tells People. "Property is my first love and my reputation is an important aspect." He started his career aged 17, working for London based chartered surveyor Saunders & Co. Between 1939 and 1945 he served with the RAF and was one of the first recruits to be called to serve in World War II. He has since spent more than six decades in property, joining his current company in 1988. What's been the highlight? "When I joined Dudley Samuel & Harrison in 1935.

That was the real jumping-off ground for me, but I have had many highlights." He recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and can even claim to have once sacked property developer Harry Hyams. "He worked in our office at Dudley Samuel & Harrison. There are no hard feelings there though. He took us to the Mirabelle for lunch as a parting gesture."

And what does Mr Magrill, who remembers the 1929 economic crash, make of the current crisis? "I think this time we are in for a longish haul. I can't see any real recovery for a while."

He is married to Jacqueline, 82, and has six grandchildren and a great grandson. He is a member of Cardiff Reform Synagogue.