THE manager of a popular newsagent which has been in Old Town for nearly 50 years has been overwhelmed by the kindness of customers who came to say goodbye.

Rosemary Earle has closed M.I. Earle on Newport Street after being behind the counter for decades.

Everything in the shop - including the huge jars of sweets that filled the back wall - has been sold off or donated as the 72-year-old prepares for a well-earned retirement.

In the shop's final days, regular customers popped in to give her their best wishes, big hugs, and farewell gifts.

This outpouring of affection has moved Rose immensely. She told the Adver: "I've had a brilliant last few days here, with beautiful flowers and lots of kind words.

"Someone made me a nice cake, others gave me a hug and a handshake which was lovely.

"It's been incredibly emotional, I'm overwhelmed by it all. I knew I was the local mouth for when someone needed to moan but I had no idea I would receive so much kindness.

"It's humbling when so many people say such nice things. I've only done what came naturally and it has not been difficult to be nice."

Swindon Advertiser: Rosemary Earle with one of the huge jars of sweets that cover the back wallRosemary Earle with one of the huge jars of sweets that cover the back wall (Image: Dave Cox)

Former staff members returned to the store to thank Rose and chat about what they had done since working there.

She added: "These amazing young people were doing well and said that having their first chance of work here, with all the skills they acquired, helped with their future lives.

"That blew me away, it was wonderful to hear - that's when the tears began to flow.

"I'm a great believer in young people. They're as wonderful, quirky, awkward, and thoughtful as they've always been, and I could not have done this without them.

"You just have to love and listen to your staff, and respect them - treat everyone with respect, look after each other, and shop local."

Swindon Advertiser: Rosemary Earle outside the shop she has worked at for more than 40 yearsRosemary Earle outside the shop she has worked at for more than 40 years (Image: Dave Cox)

Rose is looking forward to her retirement but will miss the job which has been an enormous part of her life.

She added: "I'm excited by it, I've got so much to do, but when I get home on Christmas Eve, I think I will open a bottle and have a little tipple and a weep.

"Thank you to the community for giving me a living and a good send-off. Old Town has always looked after me - when Myles went, people would do anything to help me. I'm a very fortunate woman."