ONE of York's best-loved characters is hanging up his newspaper billboards after selling the Evening Press for more than half a century. Les Richardson's hallmark cry of "Press" will be sorely missed when he retires on December 1.

The 82-year-old, whose stand is based in St Helen's Square, York, has been selling the Press since he was 14-years-old.

Les has featured in the York tourist guide, American glossy magazines and regularly receives postcards addressed to the "man on the street corner".

However, following a four-month spell in hospital, Les has decided to call it a day before the winter sets in.

"I'm really going to miss my customers and they'll miss me because I'm extremely popular. They all say I'm the best chap for manners in the city," said Les, who calls all his customers "lady" or sir".

"I've sold a lot of copies of the paper, but the story I remember most is when Diana died. I was called in on a Sunday."

Les, who is a lunchtime regular at the Punch Bowl on Stonegate, says he intends to spend his retirement relaxing and walking around York.

Evening Press field sales supervisor Barry Sellers said Les had been a "great ambassador" for the company.

He added: "He is a really popular man not just in York but all over the world, and will be sorely missed by everyone."

The Evening Press has joined forced with Andersons Menswear on Blake Street, York, to provide Les with a winter outfit.

Michael Mathieson, of the store, said: "We will be making him a made-to-measure outfit that will be perfect for the chilly spell. We're delighted to help."

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