Ref. 12409-1TIM Smith has become the third generation to run Smith's, his family's greengrocery business on Marlborough High Street, with the retirement this week of his father.

Gerald Smith, 63, has taken early retirement as he suffers badly with arthritis, probably due to almost 50 years on the town market.

Mr Smith also wants to spend more time at his Marlborough home with his wife, Dot, who suffers from osteoporosis.

However he will still be spending Wednesday afternoons at the shop to give Tim a break.

The business started almost 70 years ago when Mr Smith's late father Jack set up a one-man stall on the Marlborough market.

Gerald Smith joined his father in the business 48 years ago when they ran a greengrocery shop in London Road.

When the rent became prohibitive the family went back to the market and Mr Smith helped run the stall for 22 years, assisted by his wife, before opening the present shop by the town hall.

He said: "I have made many friends over the years and it will be the customers I will miss most."

He plans to spend his free time gardening and taking his wife on regular seaside trips.