A saddle and harness maker who counted Prince Philip among his clients is retiring after 43 years.

Geoff Dean is now winding down the business he runs with partner Susan Smith in Findon Valley, Worthing.

At the age of 65, he said: “We’ve only just decided to call it a day. I don’t want to work until I drop dead.

“I am going to see a bit of the world before I am too old to enjoy it.”

Geoff Dean Saddlery shop has been a feature of King’s Parade in Findon Road for the past 11 years.

Before that, the business was based in Ashington for a quarter of a century.

Mr Dean started at Larkin The Saddler in South Street, Tarring, Worthing, in 1968 when the area boasted horse-riding yards in Hall Avenue, Hill Barn Lane and Ferring.

He has supplied saddles and tack to many top horse-racing trainers, including Josh Gifford.

Mr Dean made harnesses for the carriage-driving Duke of Edinburgh and breast collars for his fell ponies.

He said: “Most people have said, ‘You cannot retire – what are we going to do?’ But I cannot work all my life.”