A QUARTER of a century has flown by for the charity-conscious owners of New Waltham newsagents Today's Local.
Neil and Patricia Hirst – who have both raised thousands for good causes – are on the cusp of racking up 25 years at the Peaks Lane outlet.
And the jolly duo would like to thank customers for making their impressive tenure such a joy.
Patricia said: "We've had many really nice people over the years, with some becoming firm friends. New Waltham is a very friendly village. It's a really nice place to come and work."
Neil said: "The area has changed a lot in our time here. We've had some fantastic paperboys and girls, but I have to say that the 20 or so we have now are among the most polite and respectful we've ever had.
"They do a fantastic job."
Neil says the newsagents is changing with the times as the surrounding area grows and the couple "shall be serving the village for quite some time yet".
He also reiterated his wife's sentiments, saying: "We've had some lovely people through these doors. The customers make our job a joy."
Neil and Patricia have raised thousands for mainly kids' charities through the years through sponsored walks and even scaling Ben Nevis.
The couple took over the village newsagents in 1990.
In that time it has been named Youngs, Hirst's Newsflash and News Shop before becoming Today's Local around 18 months ago.
NEIL and Patricia Hirst have worked tirelessly for charity over the years and would like to thank customers for their support.
Here's just a few organisations they have helped:
Peach – an autism charity which provides information and support for parents of children with autism. www.peach.org.uk
The Cystinosis Foundation UK – aims to provide support to all diagnosed with cystinosis, their families and relatives.
Cystinosis is a genetic metabolic disease that causes an amino acid, cystine, to accumulate in various organs of the body. www.cystinosis.org.uk
Starfish – The Starfish Project – non-profit making project for training people who stammer (stutter) to both improve control and gain confidence. www.starfishproject.co.uk
Diabetes UK – www.diabetes.org.uk
