A son says his family's 26-year ordeal has been eased after a pensioner admitted gunning down his father in a contract killing.

The murder of newsagent Geoffrey Small in 1976 remained unsolved until this year.

At the Old Bailey yesterday Alan Savage, 72, pleaded guilty to murder after being arrested following a BBC Crimewatch programme in September.

Savage, of London Road, Hastings, faces life imprisonment for shooting Mr Small four times at close range.

After yesterday's hearing, Mr Small's son, Andy Small, 43, from Croydon, told us: "The past 26 years have been a nightmare.

"It's terrible to lose a loved one in any circumstance but to know that no one has been brought to justice for his murder has been very difficult to take."

Metropolitan Police are continuing to investigate the murder of Mr Small, 46, at his shop in Sutton, Surrey, on September 6, 1976.

David Levy, prosecuting, said Savage, who has bladder cancer, had made a full confession and been back to the scene to show officers what he did.

Mr Levy said Savage was hired to carry out the execution for £2,000.

A murder weapon was provided for the killing, which was believed to have had a sexual motive.

Judge Martin Stephens adjourned sentencing until January 13 for medical reports to be prepared.