A PUB landlord is calling last orders after 47 years behind the bar.

Alan Reece, landlord of the Pig and Whistle in Stotfold, has decided to retire after his wife, Maggie, died last year. He also suffered a heart attack three months ago.

The 79-year-old, who has been in the pub industry for the past 60 years, said he is looking forward to not having to deal with any more paperwork.

On Saturday, the father-of-three held a farewell party at the pub in Brook Street, where 250 customers and staff joined him for a drink.

Mr Reece, who has always lived in the town since taking over the Pig and Whistle, said: “Things have really changed in the pub business and with my wife dying at Christmas and me having a heart attack three months ago, that’s when I thought that it was time to call it a day.

“I have loved every minute of running this pub and made some great friends over the years, the customers have always supported me and I will really miss them.”

Mr Reece said that in his time as landlord, he had seen a massive change in the pub industry with chains like Wetherspoon offering cheap beer and spirits leading to village and town pubs closing.

He will officially stop working on July 29, when a new landlord will take over the running of the pub.

“I will miss the whole pub vibe,” he said.

“I’ve been doing this for 60 years, it’s hard not to, but I am now looking forward to not having to go through any more red tape or dealing with any paperwork. I really have had enough.”