THE longest-serving trader in the York street once dubbed ‘Britain’s best high street’ is retiring.

After 54 years in business, Robin Wetherill of Bishopgate Antiques at the top of Bishopthorpe Road will retire next month.

He’ll be sad to go, admits the 74-year-old. But he has some great memories.

They include the one about the stuffed tuna fish he once kept in the shop window. “It was about seven feet long.

"One day there was such a crash.

"A bus had stopped, and this man was so busy looking at the stuffed tunny fish, he ran into the back of the bus.”

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When he started in business, the main road ran past his shop.

At one point there were plans for an inner ring road through Clementhorpe - he slept well when that fell through, he says.

In recent years, he adds, the street has really changed for the better. “It is very alive and vibrant!”

He will be much missed, said local historian Susan Major.

She said: “It will be a sad loss. The window has always been so full of antiques.

"It’s been an attraction for so long.”