GRATEFUL customers made a newsagent’s last day one to remember.

Hood’s Newsagent’s, in High Street, Dedham, has been in Stuart Hood’s family for 40 years.

However, Stuart, 60, has had to sell up for personal reasons and customersmarked his last day on Saturday by presenting him with gifts and well-wishes.

He said: “I have never been so busy on a Saturday morning.

“There really is a community spirit here. I never really thought about it, but obviously I am appreciated and I never realised howmuch.

“I am so grateful for everyone’s good wishes.”

Stuart’s parents William and Mary Hood took over the newsagents when it was a post office in 1969.

When William retired, Stuart took over the running and has been delivering papers to Dedham residents for 17 years, even after the Post Office moved out eight years ago.

He said: “My best memories are out delivering the papers in the spring time. That’s what I have loved the best.

“I live in Sudbury because I have never been able to afford a house in Dedham.

“I am looking forward to having a holiday somewhere hot, because I have not had one for six years, and then I will be job searching, because it is a few years yet until I can claim my pension.”

Dozens of residents popped into the shop on Saturday to thank Stuart for his dedication over the years.

Resident Alex Scott said: “In many ways the shop, even after the post office was moved a few years ago, has been the village hub, with people popping in to pay their paper bills, buyamagazine and stationery, read the noticeboard, or simply chat to Stuart, who seemed to know everyone.

“He was instrumental in raising nearly £30,000 for the St Helena Hospice Lottery by collecting people’s contributions with the paper bill, and with very early starts to sort and deliver the papers whatever the weather, a harder-working person would be difficult to find.

“He and the shop will be sadly missed.”

Phyllis Phillips, who used to run the pharmacy in the town for 25 years, said: “It is the end of an era. We are very much going to miss him. I have always had my paper fromHood’s.

“Now I will have to go to the Co-op, which simply isn’t the same.”

It is thought the new owners of the building will turn it into a house.