AN ABERTILLERY shopkeeper is retiring after 35 years.

Seventy-year-old Mohammed Yasin, born in Pakistan, bought the Yasin General Store Premier when he moved to the UK 35 years ago.

Mr Yasin’s son Sajaad, 34, from Abertillery, said: “35 years is a really long time.

“It’s more than retail, we’re part of the community.

“My dad is very well-established in the community and will be missed.”

Mr Yasin Jnr said his father loves his community and, particularly, he loves to see people.

“He has seen them grow and, in some cases, he has seen the third generation of a family,” he said. “Abertillery is a close community and, about three years ago, we saved the post office when it was going to close down.

“We offer a vital service.”

Mr Yasin’s family have recently sold Yasin General Store Premier and East Side Post Office, but they’ll still run another store in Abertillery, Happy Shopper, in Gladstone Street.

Mr Yasin Jnr will be the next manager of Happy Shopper.

“From now on, my father will be spending time with his five children and ten grand-children,” Mr Yasin Junior said.

“We would like to thank all our customers and friends for your custom and friendship and will sincerely miss you all.

“Please continue to support the new family which are taking over Thursday, who we believe will fit well into the community and continue to offer the great services and friendship as we did."

Customers have thanked the family for their services on their Facebook page.

Si Thom Preece wrote: “I've only had the pleasure of using the shop for nearly six months, but have got to know most of you over the past six and half years, mostly through your other store in Gladstone Street.

“You're such a lovely, friendly family and will be missed so much by my daughter and I.

“You have always been so helpful and chatty too when in the store, and I will miss this.

“ It's sad to see you go and I wish you all well in your retirement and future endeavours.”