FISH trader Louise Woolley, a popular figure in The Shambles market in Devizes for 31 years, is to put her feet up.

Mrs Woolley, of Marden, has been made redundant due to the ill health of one of the owners of the fish business.

Mrs Woolley finished at The Shambles on Thursday and was inundated with gifts from grateful customers. The gifts included flowers, bottles of wine and boxes of chocolate.

Speaking on her final day Mrs Woolley, 68, said: "I have had lots of customers giving me gifts and wishing me well which has been nice.

"It's the end of an era. I have enjoyed every minute of it. It's been a way of life for me.

"I have met all sorts of people and made lots of friends and I am sorry to leave but I am going to retire gracefully."

Mrs Woolley, who has three children and six grandchildren, worked part time at The Shambles and for the past two years she ran the business.

She learned her trade with the late Stanley Jones of Trowbridge who ran the stall for many years.

In her retirement, Mrs Woolley expects to be busy.

As well as being the Gazette's correspondent for Marden, she is involved with organising village whist drives and bingo sessions.

She is also a member of All Saint's Church, Marden, and the Women's Institute. Her hobbies include gardening and knitting. She has also recently taken on a rescue dog.