A NEWSAGENT has finally made the news by retiring at the ripe old age of 81.

Jack Balkman has lived and worked at his Jack Newsagent shop on the corner of Rectory Grove and Broadway West, Leigh, since Easter 1984 with only a short break ten years ago when he fell ill - after working too hard.

Now a combination of old age and a tough economic climate for newsagents have encouraged him to part with his beloved customers and close up shop at the end of May – for a retirement spent sunbathing in Marine Parade.

He said: “I’m getting a bit dodgy in my legs and suffer from blood pressure problems so get dizzy at times. I’ve been working until 2pm five days a week for the last ten years because I know I can’t carry on all day.

“It’s been more or less a hobby to get me better after I was ill and I like meeting people – that’s what I’m going to miss more than anything. I’ve known three and four generations of some customers – it’s amazing the people you meet over 30 years.

“I own the building but I haven’t decided what to do with it yet – I’m thinking of sitting on Marine Parade and getting some sun during the summer.”

Long time customer Bob O’Leary, 66, first began frequenting Jack’s shop when he lived in Ronald Hill Grove in Leigh and, despite now living in Woodfield Drive, Hadleigh, stills visits once a week.

He said: “He’s a real character and I think Leigh Broadway will miss his colourful character and sometimes colourful language as well but he deserves a bit of a lie-in and I hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement.

“He’s been getting up early every day for more than 30 years and enjoys a bit of banter with customers and he’s a good chap.”

Prior to moving to Leigh, Jack had worked as a senior supervisor at Brooke Bond’s factory in Hackney for 15 years, but was attracted to the idea of becoming a newsagent due to the social side of the job.

He said: “I used to talk to newsagents in the East End and, 32 years ago, it was a good industry to work in – you made a good profit all the time if you worked hard and didn’t have to pay delivery charges like you do now.

“All the newsagents in the East End were small with hardly any bedrooms, but I had four children. This place came up and had three bedrooms so I took a chance and never looked back.”

The 141 square metre property is currently being marketed by Hilton Smythe for £475,000.