A WELL-KNOWN greengrocer, who has clocked up 65 years of trade, is weighing in his last produce to enjoy retirement at the end of the month.

Keith James, of Keith's Grocer, on Cinderford High Street, runs the shop with his wife Pearl and Janet Cox, and will be closing the door on his beloved shop for the last time on March 29 to spend more time with his family.

The 78-year-old says it will be "extremely hard" to close the door but insists he will not treat his last day any different.

He says: "I don't want any fuss – it will be business as usual – but I won't lie it will be tough when I shut the door at 5pm. I have had so many people already come into the shop telling me they don't want me to close but I think it's time. I will be 79 in May and there are lots of trips my wife and I want to go on that we haven't been able to over the years because of work commitments."

The shop was opened as a greengrocer in 1948 by the late Mr Teague and his daughter Betty. At the age of 13, Mr James was offered an after school job delivering orders to customers on his pushbike.

He said: "I loved my job, I worked weekends too, and I remember leaving school at the age of 16 and within half an hour starting full-time at the grocers. I have never looked back since.

"When Mr Teague retired in 1968 I bought the shop off him and it wasn't long after that my wife and I employed Janet. The three of us have worked in the shop ever since and always said that when one of us is ready to retire we would all go together. "Janet says she's ready to retire and so I think that's my cue. I don't want to leave but I think it's time."

Mr James has raised thousands for charity over the years through taking part in the London Marathon and collecting money in his shop.

"We're always raising money for charity and intend to continue doing so when we shut the shop," he added.

"It's a shame the town will lose its last proper greengrocer. I want to sell the shop now but have yet had anybody approach me. We wish to thank all our customers for their loyalty over the years."

One regular customer added: "It's fair to say there aren't many people in Cinderford, or the Forest in fact, who don't know Keith. He has always been in the town while other shops have changed. It will be a great shame to see the shop close."