People turned out to bid a fond farewell to their newsagent who is closing his shop after 30 happy years.

Dinesh Shah, who has owned I-John, in East Barnet Road, since 1985, had become a familiar face in the community but pulled down the shutters for the last time today.

Arnold Leader, who lives in East Barnet, teamed up with Cafe Granello owner Lisa Cortelli to organise a leaving party for him on Wednesday, April 15. 

Mr Leader, an 80-year-old retired business owner, said: “People brought wine, and someone made an amazing cream sponge cake. I was really surprised by just how many people turned up - they just kept pouring in.

“At one point you couldn’t move. Through the course of the evening I think over 100 residents must have come in to say goodbye and have a drink with Dinesh.

“We’re all very sad, it was very emotionally charged. His wife and daughter where there too- his wife had tears in her eyes as people kept saying how sad they were Dinesh was leaving.

“His daughter said to me she hadn’t realized just how much respect for him people had.”

Mr Shah is planning on closing down as he is struggling to make ends meet.

But although he is not planning on retiring yet, he hopes to fill his time doing community work.

Mr Leader added: “He’s just one of those guys, he’s such a great character, such a nice guy, he’ll go out of his way to help you. I think it’s pretty unheard of people throwing a party for a retailer.

"We will all miss him and it’s not for what he sells. Without a doubt, he’s a legend. We all wish him well and hope that he will come back to visit us.”