Don Curwen, 65, from Caton is now looking forward to retirement and living peacefully in the countryside.

Originally from Brookhouse, Don was the fifth generation of Curwens to take on the business, which started in Torrisholme in 1859.

He delivered fruit and vegetables to Caton, Brookhouse, Hornby and Wray in a blue van.

The Curwens are the oldest family of Freemen of the City of Lancaster, dating back to the 11th Century, with close ties to Caton and Gresgarth Hall.

Don said: "I'm very sad to be leaving. I've made a lot of lifelong friends over the years and lived a very happy life with a lot of happy memories."

Don's father, James Edward Curwen, bought a three-acre market garden in Woodland View, Hornby Road, Caton, for £160 around 60 or 70 years ago, and Don remembers his family growing vegetables for the war effort, and using horse-drawn wagons to deliver groceries only 30 years ago.

Don was born at Yew Tree House, Brookhouse, and recalls a strict childhood while attending Brookhouse School. As well as being brought up a market gardener, he was also a policeman in Kirkham for four years after leaving school.

He was married to Annie Curwen, who died four years ago, and described her as: "The only girlfriend I ever had, and the only woman I ever wanted."

He has two sons, Simon and Nicholas, and two grandsons, Jack, three, and Sam, eight months. Don added: "All I ever wanted was a house in the country with a bit of land and a few hens. I've got half an acre of land, a good doctor and my border collie Molly so I can't complain. I'd just like to thank everyone for their custom and friendship over the years."