The couple called last orders for the final time with a queue of customers trailing out of the door of Stenning's in Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath.

And when the midday rush at the tiny shop was over they handed the keys to a new owner who hopes to continue their tradition.

Liz said: "We've got to know all our regular customers by their first names. I suppose it's been a bit like a pub without the beer."

Many of Stenning's regular clientele of office workers, railway staff and commuters frequented the shop daily to buy bread, sandwiches made on the premises, or drinks and snacks on their way to offices or the station.

Howard said: "A lot of our customers have become friends, some of them good friends. We've just done the basic stuff, nothing fancy like some shops do these days, but it seems to have been what people wanted."

The shop has been bought as a going concern by Nick Whatley from Brighton who reopened it the next day.

For a full report see this week's Mid Sussex Times.