A YORK flower seller is stepping down after 26 "blooming" enjoyable years in the trade.

Doreen Bilbrough started work at T Metcalfe's fruit and flower shop, Acomb, in 1978. After years selling roses, daffodils and carnations, she called it a day on her 60th birthday on Saturday. Doreen, known to customers as Dot, said: "I'm going to miss my customers and the girls at work. We always had very very happy times.

"But having worked all my life I'm just going to enjoy having some time for myself."

The mum-of-two, from Beech Grove, Acomb, is now looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren, gardening, walking and knitting.

During a send-off presentation she received a bird bath from staff and a family of ceramic frogs, which she avidly collects, from the company.

Sue Morrison, one of the owners of the shop, said: "Everyone's going to miss her. She's like part of the furniture - people always expect her to be there."

Updated: 10:51 Monday, March 01, 2004