An important part of the community, the mother and son team have seen plenty of changes over the years.

"When we first started there were only two flavours of crisps - ready salted and cheese and onion, sweets were sold by the quarter from a jar, and there were just four magazines - Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and People's Friend," laughed Dorothy, who celebrated her 80th birthday this year.

There were lots more newspapers as well now, she said.

The pair have made the news headlines themselves with several attempted robberies at the old-fashioned style shop.

There was even one particularly terrifying occasion when a robber threw petrol over Dorothy and threatened to set her on fire!

But the fearless pensioner has always remained unruffled and handled the dramas in her stride.

However, she and Keith admitted the crime angle has played a part in their decision to put the Closed sign up for good.

"It's happened so many times and it's bound to happen again," said Keith, 63. "Mother's been knocked over before and we can't risk that now. If she doesn't retire now she won't have any time for herself."

Instead of ringing up the till, Dorothy plans to enjoy cooking and gardening at her home in North Trade Road, Battle.

She formerly ran a newsagents in Battle, while Keith ran one in London.

They joined forces and bought the Bohemia Road newsagents 27 years ago, later taking over the grocer's next door as well.

Woods Newsagents has remained a truly personal local shop, where the customers are known by name and there's even a stool for them to sit on and chat.

There's no doubt they will be missed by their regulars.

One Good Luck card said it all: "It's been a joy having both of you in the community."

They are now running down the stock ready for their last day on December 30.

"I shan't miss going out in the wet and dark delivering the papers," said Keith who lives above the shop but travels as far afield as Mountfield, Netherfield and Battle on his rounds.

"It's a dawn to dusk job," agreed Dorothy. "We're up by 4.15am, but I shall miss it a lot."

Dorothy was keen to thank another member of the team, her assistant pensioner Kath Veness who lives nearby.

"She works in the shop on Thursday mornings while I go to the hairdressers," said Dorothy. "She really is a treasure."

The premises have been sold and there are plans for four flats on the site.