IT'S the end of an era for one Monmouth businessman as he gets set to retire after 41 years in town.

64-year-old Graham Hickman has run Graham's Electricals on Priory Street for 21 years, but the well-known store will close its doors for the last time at the end of this month.

Graham began his career in electricals in the chain store Curries when it was open in Agincourt Square, before moving with the business when in reopened on Monnow Street. When Curries closed its high street stores, he decided to open his own business, and has been on Priory Street ever since.

The familiar face has built up a book of loyal customers across the whole of Monmouthshire and the Forest of Dean; his famous blue van a regular sight on local roads. Graham has always been the face of the business, having never taken on a member of staff to help run the business.

Monmouth-born Graham said: "My customers have been so loyal, and I really want to thank them for their support.

"Business has been good over the years. Of course the internet has some impact on trade these days, but I've survived over the years with no website and no internet in the shop, so it can't be that essential. I've always run my business the old-fashioned way.

"There have been a lot of changes in Monmouth over the years, but the town is still a good place for an independent business. People have been so good to me."

The Land Rover enthusiast is also a keen member of Llangattock Ploughing Society, and will enjoy gardening, DIY and plenty of holidays over his retirement.