A CHRISTMAS tree seller has decided to call it a day after 46 years at a Bolton market.

John Holme’s garden stall has been familiar to his army of loyal customers at Bolton Market in Ashburner Street for two generations.

His sales patter has been heard every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday almost every week for nearly half a century.

Other than holidays, Mr Holme, aged 61, said he has only ever missed one day of trading, when he found the market engulfed in a blizzard.

Mr Holme took over the business from his father, Bert, when he retired.

But now the stall, which was set up 75 years ago, is due to close for good.

Mr Holme is closing for the last time on December 31.

He and his 62-year-old wife, Carol, are planning to spend a relaxing retirement in a bungalow in Cleveleys.

Mr Holme, of Leigh Road, Hindley Green, said he was sad to be retiring and would miss his customers.

He said: “I’ve got to know a lot of people here over the years.

“By and large, they’re a good lot — you know some that are jovial and some that are sad. You get all kinds.”