The family of Norfolk’s oldest family-run business have issued an emotional farewell message on social media.

Reynolds Coaches in Caister have stopped selling petrol and have locked the pumps for the last time in over fifty years.

A message posted on behalf of the family, by Janet Reynolds, wrote: “Finally the day has come. I have just locked our petrol pumps for the last time in over fifty years. We would like to thank you all for your custom and support over the years, especially during the sad times now.

“Over the years I have come to know our regular customers. Sometimes it was hard to be cheerful especially in the pouring rain! I would also like to admit that I just hated cans! Used to make me dizzy filling them!

“I hope our family has served you well through three generations over more than a hundred years in the village. Finally I would like to thank you all for your kind messages especially while my brother fights ill health and the tragic death this month of my sister-in-law Julie.”

Head of the business, Charles Reynolds, ran a fleet of 20 coaches all famously named after members of his family or special nominated VIPs.

Mr Reynolds sold the business last month after he was given a bombshell cancer diagnosis in 2017.

Reynolds Coaches had been ferrying children to and from school for decades and had been in operation for 108 years.

The funeral of Mr Reynolds wife, Julie, takes place on Friday after she died suddenly earlier this month.

Mourners are being invited to wear colourful clothes at the funeral service at Caister’s Holy Trinity Church.