A COUPLE who have run a Timperley newsagent's for more than three decades will shut up shop today.

Tony , 73, and Margaret Clegg, 71, have been inundated with cards of good wishes at the Moss Lane shop from customers and former staff including paper boys.

The pair first got involved in running a similar business in Little Bollington for Tony's father before settling in Timperley in 1984. Since then its been 12 hours, seven days week, while living above the shop.

Broadheath born Tony, a former pupil of St Vincent's RC School, played football for Altrincham and for Cheshire Boys, before taking to his most loved sport, boxing.

As a teenager and living in Oldfield Brow, in the ring he came up against the likes of Manchester boxing legend Nat Jacobs, before embarking on a career as an engineer.

Tony and Oldham born Margaret , who have one son, recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Tony said: "This has been a busy little shop over the years and with five schools in the near vicinity, often before and after school it was difficult to see the linoleum the other side of the counter.

"Our customers have almost become part of our extended family and we would like to thank them for all the happiness that we have had serving them."

"In our retirement we are hoping to take a few more holidays, but just like in all those John Wayne movies, head off into the sunset."