THEY have helped to celebrate the birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings of countless people across York.

But popular York stallholders Ian and Sue Smythe have now decided to call it a day at their greeting cards business in Newgate Market.

Ian, 65, of Sheriff Hutton, took over the stall from his father in 1972, who originally sold toys and general merchandise.

He said he had sold "millions" of cards covering every occasion in that time, and was sad to be leaving.

"Greeting cards were quite a new thing when we first started and the market was a completely different sort of place," he said.

"It was a meeting place for people and everybody knew each other."

Ian said customers had made some strange requests over the years - for "Happy Divorce" cards, and cards for people who had failed their driving tests.

"I've tried to cater for every occasion," he said.

"The majority of my customers have been lovely and I'd like to say a big thank-you to them all. They are pretty upset about us leaving.

"I don't think anyone will get us a retirement card, but you never know."

Ian and Sue, who have two sons, said they planned to get part-time jobs after selling the last card on their stall in a few weeks' time.

The couple said they had served a number of celebrities over the years, including pint-sized magician Paul Daniels when he was performing in pantomime.

"My sons showed him a few tricks in the stall," Ian said.

"I'll miss the companionship of the market. Over the years it has been like a big happy family. Unfortunately a lot of them have left."

Ian, whose father originally started the business in 1960, said he had seen some memorable sights during his time on the stall, including seeing a truck plough through the window of the nearby Marks & Spencer store.

"shopping trends have definitely changed over the years, with a lot more out-of-town shopping," he said.

"I'm pretty sad really, but it's just the way of life."

Updated: 10:30 Friday, June 17, 2005