HE has made hundreds of watches and sold a dazzling selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches over a career spanning more than 40 years.

But on Friday, April 11, Watford jeweller Mr Sidney Trussele is set to close the door for good on his shop in The Parade in the town centre.

As the manager of Maitlands, a small Victorian looking store squeezed in between a wine bar and a fast food restaurant, Mr Trussele has taken great pride in offering a personalised service, selling everything from antique silver teasets to ornate, hand-made diamond rings.

Now, however, at the age of 68, Mr Trussele who lives in Tring, has decided to sell up and call it a day.

Originally based in Queen's Road, Maitlands was founded by Mr Henry Maitlands in 1883.

During the 1950's, the store made a name for itself lending out watches to Hollywood stars who were working at the nearby Elstree film studios.

Mr Trussele joined the firm as an apprentice when he was 15, fresh out of Hatfield Road school in St Albans.

His apprenticeship was interrupted for two years by his national service in the RAF, making engine parts for Vulcan bombers in Stafford.

In 1970 he opened his first jewellery store in Watford with the help of his friend, Mr Colin Atkins, after they bought the business from the Maitlands family the same year.

But after almost 20 successful years of trading, they were forced to move to The Parade following the construction of The Harlequin shopping centre.

Despite the move, their loyal customers came with them, several of whom Mr Trussele described as "rich and famous".

April 7, 2003 16:30