THE OWNER of a newsagents that has served Barnsley for years has served his final pint of milk as the store has now been sold.

Robert Teal, who owned Vitesse on Church Street, for 17 years, originally operating a few doors further up, has sold the shop and has said farewell to customers.

Robert, 58, of Clyde Street, Barnsley, said: “I have changed career and now work in employment in Leeds. I actually changed my position over three years ago but it took some time for the business to change hands.

“The business has been kept running by the efforts of business manager Fiona Egan.

“I will miss the customers and being a Barnsley retailer as well as being the chairman of Barnsley Voice for some time, a retail representation group. I’m also pleased to have been able to start an entirely new career at my age.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of my customers to keep on visiting the shop and give the new owner a fantastic welcome.”

The new owner, Pireanthiraah Ramanathan, has another shop in Barnsley town centre and Robert said that he has some good ideas for the shop.

Robert said: “Fiona Egan will be returning as business manager and other staff have chosen to retire.”