A FRUIT and vegetable seller which has had a stall at a city centre market since 1920 is calling it a day.

Baynes, which trades at Newgate Market in York, will set up for the last time on Saturday.

Simon Baynes, who is the fourth generation of his family to run the stall, said shopping habits have changed causing business on the market stall to drop off sharply.

He said he gets little reward for the stall which is very time-consuming.

He said: “Ten years ago I would have sold 40 boxes of bananas. I have three today and I’ll be lucky to sell them all. I’ve got a young family I need to look after.

“It’s quite an emotional time. The three generations before me sweated blood and tears on this stall, but we’ve grafted and done everything we possibly can.”

He said new generations of shoppers favour out-of-town supermarkets and are discouraged from grocery shopping on the market by the lack of parking in the city centre.

Simon has developed the business over the years, setting up a fruit and vegetable wholesalers in Redeness Street, which delivers to many of York’s top chefs who used to visit him at the market.

Four years ago he set up a shop, called Millie’s after his grandmother, in Bishopthorpe Road, which provides him with a retail outlet so he can continue to supply loyal customers.

He said: “I hope my regulars are going to see us down there.”

He also plans to adapt the business, making it more accessible like the supermarkets by developing a website for Millie’s so he can take internet orders.

But the 42-year-old, who helped his family on the market from the age of five and became a partner as soon as he left school, said it was a sad moment for him.

“If it was up to my heart I would be here all my life. But my head’s got hold of me. I can’t cling on to Memory Lane,” he said.