IN the 50 years that CE Seymour has been selling bespoke clothes in York, it has measured up quite a few blue bloods in its day - but nothing like this.

Getting the Kingly treatment from proprietor Richard Seymour, is, appropriately, Darren King of Dringhouses.

"We have measured up an archbishop. a Dean of York, a lord - and now we've hit the heights," Richard quipped.

It was Richard's way of celebrating a right royal event - that half century of trading. What is now possibly the only specialist bespoke ladies and gents tailor left in York was started by Charles Seymour in Church Street ,York in October, 1950 - the heyday for bespoke suits. He pitted his skills against the likes of the multiples like John Colliers, Burtons and, indeed Hepworths, where he had been an area manager during the Second World War.

He retired and Richard, educated at St Peter's School, York, but trained by his dad, took over in 1969. Later Richard's wife, Celia joined as partner.

Charles died in 1983 but his legacy has continued through a move to new premises in Bootham in 1991 - but for how long?

"I have two sons, Anthony, 26, and Philip, 24, and a daughter Helen, 17, and it is unlikely they will continue when I retire," said Richard.

How did Darren measure up? "Obviously, " said Richard "It was a suit fit for a King."