ONE of Winchester's best-known businessmen is retiring after nearly 40 years.

Danny Habel closed The Sleep Shop on St George's Street for the final time last Saturday.

The shop is being taken over by Nick Ward and long-serving staff member Wendy Marsh is staying on.

In a notice on the door Mr Habel said: "It is 71 years since my father opened his workshop on Middle Brook Street and used his Norton motorbike to deliver the beds he made. Since then, Habels have been a permanent feature in the city centre. But time has moved on and after running the family business for 38 years I have decided to pass it on to others. Though I will carry on with other interests in Winchester, it is a sad moment for me.

"My parents arrived as refugees in England in 1939 and moved into Winchester from South Lynch Farm in Hursley as the War came to an close. They felt very welcome in the city and settled here. Our family has been very much part of the community for three generations."

Winchester-born Mr Habel added: "It has been a pleasure working in Winchester. There have been some serious moments, we have had great fun and enjoyed many interesting discussions. I would like to say a very personal thank you to everyone who lives and works in Winchester and the surrounding area for sharing a little part of their lives with me and for supporting Habels since 1945."