Bob and Grace Webster opened the shop on November 17, 1958, and even though they are now in their 80s continue to be involved in its day-to-day running.

Mr Webster is 88 while his wife, who still gets up early each morning to sort the papers ready for delivery, is 80.

Their daughter, Ruth Boulton, 53, has worked in the business for 31 years, helped by husband Stephen, and she plans to continue for as long as possible.

There are also several long-serving members of staff, including assistant Marjorie Sparrow who has been with them for 46 years.

Mrs Boulton said: “It’s a way of life, but without our health we would never have gone the pace. This is not a job which anyone can do lightly. It is hard work, but we all pull together and we love what we do.”

She said her parents had many years of happy memories of being at the centre of village life. “They have made a lot of friends and they love the social side,” she said.

There have been many changes over the years but one change that you will not find is a computer. Everything is still done with a pencil and rubber.