A WELL-known figure in a Herefordshire border town is looking forward to a well-deserved rest and spending more time with her family.

Chris Davies retired this week from a Hay-on-Wye Lion Street landmark, Chris and Dai’s newsagents and sweet shop having run the business for 22 years.

Many locals will have memories of buying their first doll from the window or getting their first baby-sitting job out of the notices in the board out the front. Hundreds of schoolchildren will have spent their Friday sweet-money in the Aladdin’s cave of 1p chews and Flying Saucers.

When Chris took over the business with husband Dai in 1999, she was just 43 and never imagined it would be her last job.

But the business has been constant and the couple delivered more than just newspapers – they have supported the community.

Margaret Morgan, right-hand woman for 18 years and friend for more, has been more than an assistant, stepping up in 2010 when Dai died. Losing her husband was a low point for Chris but friends and family pulled together and got her through.

“I’m looking forward to putting my feet up,” Chris said, although with eight grandchildren locally that is unlikely.

“I’d like to thank everybody for their custom and friendship."