Eric Pearce will serve his last customer on Tuesday October 31 after working for 48 years at Boots in Chippenham.

Dispenser Mr Pearce, 64, of King Alfred's Street, Chippenham, has worked at the shop longer than anyone else and retires after a lifetime behind the counter.

"I shall miss working and I shall miss the rapport I have with many of the customers," he said.

He is affectionately known as Sam by customers and colleagues.

"Sam was a nickname given to me when I first started and it's stuck," he said.

Mr Pearce joined Boots in 1956, straight from Chippenham Grammar School, serving an apprenticeship when the store was elsewhere in the High Street, where Abbey National is now.

In 1976 Boots moved to its current location but Mr Pearce said it never crossed his mind to leave.

"I like Chippenham and I like the people, I suppose you could say I'm part of the furniture" he said. "I've enjoyed every minute of working here."

Tonight staff past and present will join Mr Pearce for a meal and on Tuesday a surprise is planned for his big send-off.