Haberdasher hangs up scissors after 50 years

A Shropshire haberdasher has retired after 50 years of working for a fabric store, where he said he felt "part of the furniture".

Bryan Machin started his career when he was 13 years old, working as a Saturday boy for Watson & Thornton on the market in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

The 65-year-old has since spent decades working in the company's shop in Shrewsbury and described meeting people as one of his highlights.

"The best thing is helping the customer, I'm proud that people come back to the shop and I like to go above and beyond," he said.

Mr Machin said customers had brought in gifts and wished him farewells for his last day on Friday, which felt "really humbling".

"I didn't realise everyone liked me so much," he said.

The volleyball referee described his retirement as a big change in his life, however he looked forward to the next chapter where weddings and concerts were planned.

"I will miss the camaraderie, I'll miss the interaction with customers and staff, it will be a big wrench," he said.

The company said it wished Mr Machin "the very best for a long and happy retirement".

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