WORKERS at an East Lancashire electrical shop are preparing to bid a fond farewell to a member of staff who is off to travel the world.

Andy Dean, 23, is leaving Romers HiFi, Great Harwood, and his home town of Accrington to travel with a friend.

He first worked at the hi-fi store on work experience from St Christopher's High School, Accrington, and joined the staff full time in 1997.

Andy is planning to visit Australia and the Far East. On his return he is hoping to go to university.

Fortunately for Romers' owner Graham Waywell, Andy's brother Chris 25, is happy to step into his place.

Andy said: "After working for Romers since leaving school it will be a bit of a wrench because they've always been so good to me.

"Luckily I'll be able to keep in touch via my brother."

Chris, who has already seen a lot of the world travelling for the last five years, will take on the full time role of technical support manager.

He said: "It's a bit of a role reversal but I decided it was time to pack away my rucksack.

"I've worked for Romers on and off when I've been at home but this will be the first time I've been a full time employee with a title.

"We've lost one employee but gained his brother," said Graham Waywell. "We like keeping things in the family here."