It was a tearful affair when veteran Evening Press street seller Les Richardson bade a fond farewell to his loyal customers to begin a well-earned retirement.

Les Richardson, who is retiring after 70 years of selling the Evening Press on the streets of York

The 82-year-old's last day selling the paper was marked with a ceremony in the centre of York when he was presented with a customised front page of the Evening Press and a cheque for more than £200 from his regular customers.

Les, whose stand was based in St Helen's Square, York, was also kitted out in a new suit at Andersons Menswear, Blake Street, York, as a retirement present from the newspaper. After being presented with his gifts, Les, fighting back the tears, shouted: "All the best everybody, all the best."

In a speech dedicated to the man whose distinctive cry of "Press!" has echoed around the square for decades, editor Liz Page thanked Les for his 68 years of service.

"His unrivalled loyalty and commitment will be greatly missed," she said. "Over the years Les has become a celebrity in his own right, one of the best characters in York, as many of his friends will testify. On behalf of the Evening Press and all of his friends in York, we thank Les and wish him good luck for a long and happy retirement".

During his time at the Press, Les, who began selling the paper when he was 14 years old, has sold papers reporting such momentous events as the Second World War, the Pope's visit to York in 1982, the York Minster fire in 1984 and, more recently, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

He has featured in the York tourist guide, American glossy magazines and also received postcards addressed to the "man on the street corner".

One of his best customers, nurse Jonathan Bonner from Huntington Road, said he would be missed "enormously".

On hearing of Les's retirement, Jonathan organised a collection box at TSB so the people of York could donate money.

"He is very much a part of York and he will be missed so much by everyone," he said.

His other regular customers waited patiently in a long queue yesterday to make sure they bought a paper from Les on his last day.

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