A FAMILY-RUN chain of businesses has closed its doors after 48 years of trading - except one store which has been kept alive by a long-term employee.

Trevor King, 36, of Dringhouses, has worked for T Metcalfe Fruiterers and Florists for 20 years, working his way up from Saturday boy to manager.

So when the family of Tom Metcalfe, who started the businesses from his horse and cart in 1957, all decided to retire he took over one of the three remaining stores.

Now the business in Burton Stone Lane has become Trevor King Fruiterers and Mr King is hopeful that his loyal customers will continue to visit his shop.

He said: "I've worked for the company for 20 years and I've been a manager since the age of 19. I started as a Saturday lad and I stayed because I enjoyed the work really. I'm doing something different all the time, meeting different people.

"When I heard they were all retiring it was a choice of taking redundancy and going to work for Tesco or gambling. I took the gamble."

Tom Metcalfe began his business by selling produce from his horse and cart in Clifton and the Groves, while his wife, Grace, looked after their first shop in Clarence Street, which was bought in 1960.

At one time the family owned seven premises, but towards the end three remained, in Acomb, Haxby and Burton Stone Lane.

After the death of Mr Metcalfe in 1981, his son, Christopher, took over the running of the business. His sister, Susan Morrison, ran the florist shop and younger sister, Amanda Dean, worked in the office.

Grace Metcalfe said: "All the family are looking forward to the future and would like to thank all their many customers and staff, past and present, for their loyalty over the years."

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, June 22, 2005