RESIDENTS on Purfleet's Garrison estate gathered to say a tearful farewell to local shopkeeper and former Postmaster John Pryor who is retiring after serving the local community for 27 years.

On his final day John produced gifts for childen on the estate - and he and wife Anne-Marie were also on the receiving end as their customers, many of whome John and anne-Marie have known since they were children, handed over a holiday voucher for more than £500 by way of thanks for all the support the duo have given to the local community.

One resident, Jo Tubby said: "John and Anne-Marie have been such a great asset to the community of Purfleet. Without John some families would simply have not got by. John often offered to let people buy essential goods and pay him off at a later date.

"He has watched our children grow and is always a friendly face. He has done so much for the local community which has always gone unnoticed or recognised because he does it from the heart and not for publicity.

"As a community we want to say a big farewell and a thankyou."