A local couple who have run a Newsagent in Edgware for over 40 years have closed their shop for the last time.

Madhu and Jyoti Patel, originally from Nairobi, Kenya, have decided to retire after running Pedlar’s for nearly 43 years.

To say thank you and farewell, local residents organised a farewell party for the couple.

They raised £1,500 for the Madhu and Jyoti to enjoy their retirement.

Mr Patel said he was “humbled” by the number of people who attended the farewell party.

He said: “I will miss everyone very much. It has been an honour to serve the community.”

When asked what they would do in the retirement, Mrs Patel said: “I will not know what to do with my time! I look forward to spending more time with my family – but I might be tempted to find another job!”

Local Ward councillor Ameet Jogia, who was at the farewell party, said: “Mr and Mrs Patel are an integral part of the local community.

“The number of residents here present is proof of just how much they are loved in the area. Whilst we will be very sorry to see Pedler’s Newsagent go, we are all delighted that Mr and Mrs Patel will finally have some time together to send on themselves.

“They deserve a happy and healthy retirement.”

Also present to pay tribute to Madhu and Jyoti was the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali.

He said, “Mr and Mrs Patel have given an incredible service to the local community and we wish them all the best.”