A FAMILY greengrocers has closed its doors after 95 years of trading.

Paul Brown started working in the shop run by his grandfather and father when he was just eight.

Paul, his sister Caroline Knowles, wife Kate and son Matthew said they had “mixed emotions” as G A Brown and Son in Worthing opened for the final time on Saturday.

Paul said: “It has been sad serving our last customers.

“People have been so kind to us. Over the years our customers have become our friends.”

Paul’s grandfather Charles Brown started the business in 1925. When Charles’s father Graham was born in 1933 the family lived above the shop, in Brighton Road.

Paul used to run home from school aged just eight to help his father serve customers – and started working full time from 1978.

In recent years Paul has turned to supplying the restaurant trade but when he was made an offer for the business the family decided it was time to hang up their aprons.

T G Fruits will be taking over the catering side of the business. Paul will remain during the changeover and the shop will become a new business.

Paul, 57, said: “I have really enjoyed it over the years but it’s hard work.

“With the catering trade I can be on the phone to customers at 10pm and then at the markets at 3am.

“I’m looking forward to a rest and a change.

“Over the years I have been supported by many great staff and family members.

“I’ve worked with my sister for 25 years. My wife and son also work here.

“It’s fantastic to work as a family, but it’s time for a change.”

Loyal customers were sad to see the shop close.

Wendy Faithless said: “I just love the quality of the fruit and it’s a shame they’re closing but I really wish them well in the future.

“The staff here are all so nice and helpful.”

Another shopper said: “This is very sad.

“They were one of the few greengrocers which actually purchased directly from Covent Garden market.”

Paul’s wife Kate said: “It’s been mixed emotions serving our last customers.”

Paul thanked his customers for their support over the years and said: “In recent years, with shopping habits changing, I have concentrated on supplying the catering trade, building a large customer base from many of the best local hotels, restaurants, cafes etc.

“Recently, I was approached about selling the premises and have agreed with a firm to take over the catering business and so it is with some sadness that the shop will soon close after over 90 years of trading.

“I am very pleased that T G Fruits will be taking on my catering customers.

“They are a larger family business who I have dealt with for decades and I will be helping them in this. I have always found them a good, reliable company and would thoroughly recommend them.

“The business was started in around 1925 by my grandfather, Charles Brown. During the Second World War he was called up into the Marines so closed the business until his return.

“In the 1950s he purchased number 26 Brighton Road, making it into one large shop.

“My father, Graham Brown, was born in 1933 and from an early age he helped in the shop and eventually ran it with my grandfather. I started helping in the shop in the early 1970s, joining full time in 1978.”