ACCRINGTON'S longest-serving newsagents will make their own headlines tomorrow (Sat) when they retire after 27 years.

Popular couple Alf and Wendy Green, who originally hail from Bolton, took over the shop in Nuttall Street in 1978.

And they say they have seen many changes in the newspaper trade during their years in business.

Alf, 65, said: "Some have been for the better and some for the worse.

"The technology to produce newspapers is much better nowadays as it is all done on computer. This means we get the papers much quicker than we used to.

"The unfortunate part of it is that publishers sometimes go to big retailers just because they are big and small retailers like us don't get recognised for what we do.

"But we are part of the community. People come in here and talk about what they want. You don't get that when you buy a newspaper in a supermarket. There you are just a number passing through."

The couple have now bought a bungalow in Accrington which they are looking to work on over the next few months. They are also planning to stay around for the first two weeks to help the new owners settle in.

They have been married since 1962 and have a son Nigel, a daughter Sarah and grandchildren Joshua and Elliot.

Wendy, 62, said: "We will probably spend a bit more time with our children as we have always been very family-orientated."

Alf added: "We have always enjoyed working together as a team and the system we have put in place here has been very successful.

"I know a lot of people don't want us to leave and we have made many friends here. We wish the new owners all the best with the business."

Alf is also keen on community work and has been chairman of the Woodnook Forum for a number of years.

In recognition of his service, Alf was treated to a slap-up lunch at the Walton Arms, Altham, by executives of the Greater Manchester Weekly Newspapers group which owns the Observer.

He was presented with a clock by Group Managing Director Malcolm Doeg, Group Editor Richard Catlow and Group Newspaper Sales Manager Kath Fielding.

He apologised to any customers he had not been able to tell personally about his retirement.