TAILOR Ken Higginson has seen fashion trends turn full circle during his 50 year career.

And now he is ready to step down from the helm of a popular menswear shop on his 65th birthday.

Ken joined the tailoring department at Blackburn Co-op Society when he was 15.

He moved up the ranks with the company, working in different Lancashire branches, for 33 years.

He eventually became the manager and buyer for the Blackburn store's menswear, toys and children's wear sections.

Ken bought his own business, Sagar Menswear, Darwen, in 1985.

He plans to take a back seat from February 21 when his son Steven, 31, will take over as manager.

Mr Higginson and wife Ethel, of Lammack, Blackburn, have two sons and four grandchildren.

Looking back at his career, Ken says: "The saddest change for me is the demise of the suit, which is an integral part of menswear.

"Casual wear is the thing now which is a shame, especially when you think off the effort women make to look smart.

"I think flares must rate as the worse style I have ever come across.

"People always deny having worn them but they all did, including me."

Despite his official retirement, Mr Higginson still plans to keep involved with the shop, which he says owes it success to its loyal clientele.

One of them is Harry Dabbs, of Hills Pharmacy, Darwen, who was buying suits from Mr Higginson as far back as 1968, when the Lancashire Evening Telegraph photographed them during a "measuring-up" session at Blackburn Co-op.

Ken added: "I have been lucky enough to do a job which I have looked forward to starting every morning, even if it has meant taking thousands of inside leg measurements.

"I will still be in the shop three days a week but I hope to spend more time with my family and at Blackburn Golf Club."

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