A pie shop at the heart of a Merseyside community has closed its doors for the final time today.
Greenall's bakery in St Helens has been a staple of the local cuisine since opening almost 70 years ago. The Duke Street bakery was opened by Elizabeth Greenall in 1954, before her son Colin took over the shop in 1970.
The 78-year-old said he made "lots of great memories" in the store over the years and became a pillar of the local community, before making the difficult decision to retire. He told the ECHO: " I just want to say thank you to all my loyal customers who have been with me over the years and I want to wish them all the best.
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"I'm now looking forward to my retirement, but I don't think I'll be lying down all too much."
Customers piled in to the small bakery on the morning of November 4, to stock up on Greenall's cakes and pies while they still can. Colin added: "It's not stopped all morning, it's been so busy with people stocking up. We only have a couple of pies left."
As Greenall's closes its doors, loyal customers have paid their tributes to the iconic St Helens store. Christine Henderson Sterry said: "One of the first pie shops I was introduced to when I started work at Pilks Cowley Hill. Colin hasn’t changed just his hair is white now. I guess they can’t go on forever but I will sincerely miss his baking."
Irene Cotham said: "Sad to hear - the best Steak pies for me and Barm cakes. But wishing you well in your retirement Colin."
Jan Lowe said: "The last thing my dad bought me was a pork pie a few days before he died. Enjoy your retirement."
Joey Johnson said: "Enjoy your retirement, baking is hard work and to last 68 years is a credit to you, good luck."
Colin said the appreciation "means a lot", and he plans to spend the time with his daughters and grandchildren after retiring.
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