MR and Mrs fruit and veg are shutting shop for the last time after more than 25 years of successfully fighting off the supermarkets.

Allan and Linda Wilkins retire today , and say they are 'due a rest' from the business in Redlam, Blackburn.

Despite opposition from many major supermarkets in the area, Wilkins Fruit and Veg has not only survived but flourished, thanks in the main to customer loyalty.

Allan said: "A number of customers have been with us for more than forty years. Some are in their eighties but still shop here.

"We have managed to keep going, even though other shops have had to close because of the supermarkets".

The family-run business was launched in 1948 and Allan and Linda have been in charge for more than 20 years. Allan has been in the fruit and veg trade for 35 years. He joined the business, then run by his parents Frank and Elsie, and his Uncle Leslie, when he was 25.

Frank rented a derelict shop from Thwaites Brewery after leaving the army, before finding the money to take over the lease in 1951 when Thwaites decided to sell.

Allan, 60, and Linda, 54, carried on running the shop after Frank retired at 65.

They cite an early start and long hours as two of the main reasons for giving up the business, although if it were only shop hours they would gladly continue.

"We are both up before four in the morning to go to the markets and don't finish until five in the evening so we do 70 hours a week, which is getting too much for us now, though we will miss the shop and the many friends we have made".

The satisfaction of providing a dedicated service has also left the couple with many memories as well as friends. Allan added: "Our customers understand that we need a rest. It will be a complete change of life but a chance to relax more, which will be nice.

"We want to thank all the customers and friends who have shopped with us over the years."

Allan and Linda live above the shop, which they plan to sell but hope to buy a house in the area to keep in touch with their many friends.

They have been touched by the cards, flowers, bottles of wine and goodwill extended to them on their retirement.

They will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in May and take a three-week cruise of America and Canada in September to celebrate their 30 years, though they won't be alone, Allan points out.

"A couple of our customers are going along, too, and another few tried to get a ticket but weren't able to.

"We were all a little disappointed with that but never mind, it should be a really enjoyable trip and a nice way to mark our marriage and retirement."