TYLDESLEY's biggest clothing shop closes this weekend.

Kumar's main street business, which trades in schools, guides and scouts uniforms plus women's, men's and children's clothes and footwear, shuts on Sunday.

And Indian-born proprietor Raj Kumar, who has lived in Britain for almost 40 years, is offering his remaining stock at bargain prices because he'd "like to give something back to the community".

When the Elliott Street shop closes its new owners will convert it to an Indian restaurant.

Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday Kumar's are offering £15,000 worth of stock at less than half-price and lucky locals who take in a copy of this Journal article will be entitled to a free item of clothing or shoes (only one item per family).

Mr Kumar (pictured here with his wife, Kumlesh Rani, son Rajesh and daughter Reena) started as a market trader in 1977 with £100 worth of stock and soon built-up business opening three shops.

Father of four and Bachelor of Arts Mr Kumar is a former teacher and post office supervisor whose father served with the British Army in Burma. He married his wife, teacher Kumlesh Rani, in 1964.

Their children all attended Tyldesley County Primary School and the town's Fred Longworth High before studying at Leigh and Wigan colleges.

Son Rajir is a projects manager with North West Water, Rajesh is second vice president of the Chase Manhattan Bank, daughter Ramnik is an accountant and Reena is studying accountancy.

Mr Kumar has been an active Rotarian and freemason and is chairman of the Lord Ramakrishan Temple in Warrington.

In retirement the Kumars aim to spend half the year in Britain and the other half in India helping with community, religious and charitable projects. 209/209/14

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