The Pearly King of Wandsworth came out of retirement this weekend to raise money for a children's charity.
Ted Larkin, 93, from Bedford Hill, in Balham, had hung up his collection bucket in 2011 because he felt he was "getting on a bit".
But, after admitting he had got a "bit bored" in retirement, the hardy nonagenarian was outside Sainsbury's in Balham High Road for several hours on Saturday.
He was there to collect for the Mayor of Wandsworth Angela Graham's official charity, supporting young people in the borough.
Mr Larkin, a bowel cancer survivor, has raised more than £150,000 since he took up the role of Pearly King in 1981 after he retired.
He said: "I was quite bored after I retired so I thought I'd help out the kids. They say I'm a marvel everywhere I go."
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