A MARKET trader who has served generations of locals for three decades has retired.

Joe Colquhoun, 69, worked at Hitchin Market on a music stall for 30 years.

The Meldreth resident has seen the world of music change in that time, beginning his trading days by selling LPs, moving onto cassettes and, eventually, CDs and DVDs.

He told the Comet: “In a lot of cases, I served three generations of families. I served the grandmas and grandads, the mums and dads and now the kids.

“I’d like to thank all my old customers. Lots of people came to say goodbye, I had lots of lovely cars and presents.”

Mr Colquhoun traded for the last time on Friday, and was presented with a plaque and gifts from the market’s manager, Tony Howes.

He started working at the market after being made redundant from his job as a sales director at Phonogram.

Mr Colquhoun also worked at five other markets, including Royston, although for the last year he only traded at Hitchin and Bedford.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, but you know when you’ve had enough,” he said.

“I’m hoping to put my feet up, play a bit of golf and do some gardening.”

He added: “I’d like to thank all the staff at Hitchin and wish them a successful future.”