A market trader, who has become something of an institution on Norwich Market has opened his stall for the last time.

Eastern Daily Press: Barry Read, retired owner of Barry Read's Fabrics on the market, holding fabricBarry Read, retired owner of Barry Read's Fabrics on the market, holding fabric (Image: Archant)

He has seen the market get many a redesign, seen stalls come and go and endured more than a few cold winters but today, (Saturday September 29) is Barry Read of Barry Read's Fabrics last day running his stall on Norwich Market.

Mr Read, who has lived in Norwich his whole life, opened his stall in 1968, but after 50 years he has decided to call it a day and hand the stall over to a new generation of traders.

Reflecting on his last day the 77-year-old said: 'It has been quite good and lovely to be the one whose kept the business alive.

'I'm quite happy that it's going to remain on the market and I'm pleased that I've got someone who's going on, he's enthusiastic but he'll make a good go of it and he'll learn.

'I've had lot's of customers coming to say goodbye, everybody has been nice and very friendly.

'If it wasn't for the people over the years who have supported me I wouldn't be here and I'd like to express my thanks to them.'

Although retiring from the his market stall, Mr Read said he would have plenty to do to keep him busy: 'I'll keep an eye on the place, but I've got lots to do. Life moves on, I'm quite a pragmatic person, I'm moving on in good health and I've enjoyed it, I've got no regrets at all.'

On the future of the market he added 'I reckon it will be alright, there are people coming on here who are very inventive, it will be OK.'

Josh Worley, 22, who along with a friend will take over the running of Barry Read's Fabrics said: 'I'm nervous, they're very big shoes to fill.

'I've tried to learn as much as I can but I'm incredibly excited, it's the first time I have run my own business and I'm really looking forward to it.

'We're going to keep both stalls, and Barry's name as this it a part of Norwich's history but we're also going to expand, have a web site and just take 50 years worth of experience and bring it into the 21st century.'