AN ERA will end at a popular shop at Barrs Cottage tomorrow night as jovial owner John McEleny shuts the door for the final time — after 39 years of serving the community.

John — who has ran the Londis store since he was 25 — is retiring, and openly admits that he'll be 'distraught' as he locks up and hands the keys over to the place's new proprietors.

But the well-liked and ever-smiling 64-year-old has lots to look forward to, not least spending more time with his children and heading off on a well-earned cruise with his wife Morag, 55.

John said: "I came here as a manager of the Co-op, as the shop was then, when I was 25.

"At 31 the Co-op went defunct and I got the opportunity to buy the business, and that was 33 years ago — so I've been here for 39 years."

Looking around the place, he adds: "I've been opening that door every day for 39 years."

Asked what he'll miss most, John said: "The customers and the banter and the laughs. That's been great."

With a smile, he reveals what he'll miss the least — 'the early mornings!'

Customers will be saying a final over-the-counter farewell to John this weekend, but many of them have already joined him for a goodbye drink — on him. He laid on a free bar for his regulars at a 'great wee night' at the Police Club on Thom Street earlier this week.

But shoppers won't be lost for a place to go for their messages and a copy of the Tele because the shop will be open as usual again on Monday morning under the ownership of the McColl's group.

John said: "I'd just like to thank all of my customers and my ten staff; some of them have been here 30 years.

"McColl's is taking the place over, so they'll still have their jobs and just move over to the new business."

He might be retiring but he won't be short of things to do.

John said: "I already do a lot of walking, so that will continue, and I'm going to join a gym, so I don't get fat sitting about the house.

Asked how he'll feel when he locks up for the final time at 10pm tomorrow night, he replied: "I'll be distraught. This place has been my whole life.

"It might be the end of an era, but there's a new era.

"I have a daughter, Megan, who's 20, and a son, Jack, who's 15, so I'll be able to spend more time with them.

"My wife Morag and me are looking forward to a wee holiday too, and I think we'll go a cruise on the Med."