A CROSS Roads village institution has come to an end after 58 years of trading.

Snowden's Greengrocers, in Haworth Road, shut on Saturday (Sept 29) as its owner Albert Snowden has retired.

Local people have united to pay tribute to his many years of service to the village, describing the shop's closure as the end of an era.

Cross Roads parish councillor Tito Arana said: “One of my earliest memories as a small boy was going with my grandmother to Albert's for the fruit and veg. My job was to carry the potatoes home. "Albert and his family have played such an important part in village life and have been a lifeline to the elderly of the village who can’t make the trip into Keighley.

"I am sure the whole of Cross Roads wishes Albert a very happy retirement. The village will never quite be the same again. Thank You Albert."

Mr Snowden has been presented with a token gift from members of Lees Cum Cross Roads Village Association.

Beverly Underwood, from the association, explained: "This was to thank Albert for his contribution to our local village. He put in more than 50 years of service as our local greengrocer and is now retiring at the age of 82."

Cross Roads resident Philip Ainsworth said: "I haven't been using this shop nearly as long as some of the other locals here, but I know I'll miss it.

"Having a good shop like that right on your own doorstep in a small place like Cross Roads has been valued by so many people for decades."