A LONG-SERVING food trader on the A49 retires later this month.

Maggie Bowen, 73, is a regular fixture on the layby of the road at Much Birch where she sells breakfast and cakes.

Known as affectionately as 'Maggies', the stall has been serving drivers on the A49 since 1995.

Maggie said: “There is no way I would have thought back in the nineties that I would still be trading now, but I’ve really enjoyed my time on the layby. I’ve always liked cooking and I’ve met so many people – both new and regular customers some of whom were real characters who I will miss.

She added: "What I won’t miss so much now are the dark, wet winter mornings getting up at 6am."

Thursday September 27 will mark Maggie's last day, before she enters retirement to enjoy her hobbies and care for her husband.

Maggie was presented with a certificate from Herefordshire Council marking her dedication and long service on the layby.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services added: “I’d like to congratulate Maggie for the years she has achieved as a street trader, serving the motorists on this route for so long, and wish her all the best for her retirement”.