News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

A mayonnaise factory manager has quit his job – to live as a NATIVE AMERICAN.

He might not quite be sitting bull, but Les Atkins is going to follow his dreams and tour the country teaching people about the Native American way of life.

The 65-year-old from Walsall, West Midlands retired from his job on July 31 after 15 years of service - but now plans to spend his days dressed as his alter-ego Native American.

(Image: Caters)

By day Les, a married father-of-two, was responsible for a labour force, but come the weekends he would dress up in traditional clothing including a head dress, which he made himself.

He estimates he's spent at least £5,000 on his obsession over the years - but admits the total is probably much higher.

Les said: "I've been obsessed with the Native American way of life ever since I started watching spaghetti westerns in the 50s.

"They really got me interested so I started learning more. I've visited a few reserves in Arizona and Utah.

(Image: Caters)

"On one of my visits I was lucky enough to dance with one of the tribes – they called it to "shake a feather".

"It's something I really enjoy but I'd say about 95 per cent of the people in work never knew."I've built up my collection of artefacts over the last 20 years, I've spent about £4,500 on that and hundreds more on costumes."

Les has fully immersed himself in the culture, even learning traditional sign language and dances which he performs in his garden.

His wife, Pamela, 59, said: "I think it's great. He used to be into it before but then circumstances changed and he lost interest.

"I've encouraged him to get back into it. You only live once and it makes him happy. The more and more interested Les gets the more involved I get."

His house is full of artefacts including war bonnets made out of eagle feathers and roaches – a smaller headdress used for hiding in tall grass. Some of his collection has been purchased but around 80 per cent he has made himself.

He said: "One of the biggest parts of the Native American culture is to waste nothing. They would kill a buffalo for meat but then use its bones for a club or even medicine.

"I don't go that far – I still take paracetamol – but I have made my own pipes and statues."

The 65-year-old is hoping to take his talks to schools and museums to eradicate some misconceptions there are about Native Americans.

(Image: Caters)

He first started doing his own exhibitions in the 1970s and hopes his increased free time through retirement helps him spread his knowledge and passion.

Les said: "Their way of life is not all about rain dances and scalping people's heads. I want to teach people how they helped the first wave of settlers by giving them gifts like food.

"It's not something a lot of people know about and the homemade costumes and artefacts will grab their eye."