A HARDWARE specialist at a Salisbury business who is renowned for his customer service and knowledge is retiring after spending 53 years in the trade.

Bob Taylor was just 15 when he joined the ironmongers Woodrow & Co in Castle Street (now the Tesco site) to serve a five year apprenticeship.

In 1971 he joined Pinders on the corner of Endless Street, being given the task of opening and managing a new domestic shop when Bernard Pinder bought the old radio services shop next door.

He later went onto run the Cross Keys Hardware shop and work at Teed Tools in Fisherton Street, and in 1996 he joined the hardware and plumbing department at Jones & Company in Rollestone Street.

“The last 18 years have been a very happy time in my working career – it has always been my aim to give customers the very best service possible at all times,” Mr Taylor, who retires at the end of the year, said.

David Allkins, partner at the kitchen planning centre which is celebrating its own 50th anniversary next year, said: “Customers come from far and wide to see Bob because of his fantastic service and knowledge.

“We would like to thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the years and wish him a long and happy retirement.”