A mother who started working on a market stall as a Saturday girl when she was 12 feels “sad” to be retiring 44 years later.

Lynne Lawrence has reflected on the last four decades of running Lynne’s Sewing Box from Watford Market, saying she never expected to make it this far.

The 64-year-old’s mother got her a job at the market stall when she was barely a teenager, and she took over the running aged just 19.

She said: “I have loved working with the public – in fact I have always loved what I have done.

“I have made such nice friends through working here.

“I’ve had the most amazing customers who have become friends over the years. I have

“I am totally blown away by how many cards and gifts I’ve had. It’s totally unexpected.

“I’m sad it’s come to an end.”

She is looking forward to spending more time with husband, Clive, and children, Chloe, 30 and Tom, 34.