JOHN and Pat Tait shed a few tears on their last day behind the counter of the greengrocer's shop which has played such a big part in their lives.

The shop has been the family business since 1926, when Mr Tait's grandfather, William, opened his first store in Commercial Street, Willington.

The business has been passed on through successive generations, but now Mr and Mrs Tait have decided to call it a day and retire.

Their son, Paul, is happy to remain a wagon driver, so the family's association with the shop ended on Saturday, when it was handed over to new owners.

Mr Tait, 58, has a wealth of happy memories and anecdotes associated with the shop, including his grandfather's daily trips to the wholesalers, in Newcastle, with his trusty horse and cart.

He remembers hiding under the counter to eat bananas as a child, when they were rationed in the years following the Second World War.

The family had four shops in Willington at various times in the 1930s and Mr Tait's grandfather owned six houses, making him one of the richest men in town.

Mr Tait's father, who was also called John, left school at 15 to work at the shop and stayed there until he died, aged 62, when the business passed to his son.

Although the fixtures and fittings may have changed, the business of the shop has remained remarkably constant over the years.

"I was told by a wholesaler I was the only true fruit and veg shop in the whole of County Durham, because I do not sell flowers, crisps, pop or anything like that," said Mr Tait.

With so many years at the shop behind them, it is little wonder that emotions got the better of Mr and Mrs Tait on their final day.

Mr Tait said: "When I am behind the counter, that shop is my stage. I do a bit of singing and crack a few jokes with the customers, and over the years we have really enjoyed it."

The number of cards and gifts received by the couple on Saturday is testament to the affection in which the shop is held in Willington. But Mr Tait is sure the thriving business is in good hands.

He has passed the reins to local couple Arthur and Allison Burnhope, who will continue to run it as a traditional greengrocer.

Mr Tait will accompany the new owners on their first visit to the wholesaler he has used for the past 20 years, JR Holland in Gateshead.

He said: "I hope that Arthur and Allison do well in the shop, and have as good a time as we had.

"And I would like to thank all of my customers and friends for the support they have given us over the years."