FASHION king Bernard Savin has spent a lifetime in ladies dresses! But on Saturday one of the town's best known market traders shut up shop for the final time.

"It's been more than a job, it's been a way of life," said Bernard as he surveyed the familiar scene from behind a flourish of farewell cards at Savin's Separates in Leigh's Market Hall.

With father Tommy, now nearing 90, he launched the business in the intimidating shadow of the Parish Church at the old outdoor market in 1965.

"We had the same spot at Back Salford for three years, then moved to the first indoor market before moving here in 1989," he said. "I have to say I best enjoyed those years on the outdoor market; it had real character.

"But many of the people who were my first customers then stayed with me for 32 years.

"They have become my family of friends."

Bernard, 65, had been a shop manager in Southport when he decided to go into partnership with his father.

Tommy, the first caretaker at St Mary's RC High in Astley, was a well-known publican, popular behind the bar at the Volunteer in Lord Street in 1943 before moving on to the Queens in Market Street, the Mason's Arms at Howe Bridge and Leigh's Eagle & Child.

"We always dealt fair," said Tommy. "And we always sold 'reet stuff'!"

Tommy "slowed down" when he reached 70 and finally retired aged 75.

"We began selling garments for men, ladies and children," added Bernard. "But most of our customers were ladies and we eventually specialised in clothes for them.

"Now I'll settle for a spot of gardening. I might even play a little golf - but I'll always pop back to the market.

"It's been like a second home."

Picture: Cheerio! Markets boss Jim Heaton with Tommy and his son, Bernard, on their last day at the market.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.