A COUPLE are retiring after running a garage in Lawford for 35 years.

Shirley and Roy Rawlinson started Oaktree Garage in 1979 on a site in Riverside Avenue West before later moving to a bigger site on the same road.

Mrs Rawlinson, of Mistley, said they now hoped to recharge their batteries after giving over much of their lives to the business.

She said: “We felt in 1979 there was a need for a family run garage. We never set out to be rich – we wanted to provide a service.

“I have has people in tears when I have told them we are retiring. “